‘It takes people to move people.’ King County recognizes Transit Appreciation Week
It’s officially Transit Appreciation Week in King County, thanks to a proclamation from the King County Council recognizing transit employees who keep the region and its economy moving forward everyday. Councilmember Rod Dembowski spoke of Metro being the “most visible function of King County.” Dembowski, sponsor of the proclamation also highlighted Metro’s important role in providing mobility and opportunity to millions of riders through the years. Read more and watch the video here.
Annual Women’s History Month: Passing the Torch
The theme for the annual King County Council Women’s History Month panel is “Passing the Torch: An Intergenerational Conversation.” This live, online event features a panel of specialists who will speak about a life in activism and new voices who are picking up the banner for the next generation. Read more about the a panelists for this event. Wednesday, March 29 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Join via livestream on King County TV or Facebook. This presentation is sponsored and moderated by Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Claudia Balducci and Sarah Perry, the Legislative Branch Equity and Social Justice Team, and… Read More
GIS is everywhere (and everything, all at once)
Cross-posted from GIS & You So…what is GIS? In short, it’s a Geographic Information System that creates, manages, analyzes, and maps all types of data. GIS connects data to a map, integrating location data (where things are) with all types of descriptive information (what things are like there). According to Lisa Owen, from the King County GIS Center, it’s “data that knows where it lives.” Lisa recently had the opportunity to contribute to a discussion on Women in IT, with a spotlight on GIS. Read her entertaining blog post telling about her experience as a woman… Read More
Moving forward together: A shared vision for Metro’s future
“Transit must lead with equity and provide world-class service.” Michelle Allison, the new King County Metro General Manager, recently posted her perspective on the current state of the agency is and the vision for where it is headed. Allison shared three main priorities of the agency and those they serve to move forward together. Each priority is informed by deep and ongoing engagement with the community, a partnership that will continue every step of the way. Read more.
Now is the time to invite nonprofits to participate in the Annual Giving Drive
Nominate a nonprofit for inclusion in the Annual Giving Drive, and they will be contacted when the application cycle opens later this spring. All nonprofits must apply and meet eligibility requirements annually in order to be included in the Annual Giving Drive. Read more.
King County Sheriff’s Deputy awards athletes in Special Olympics Winter Games
Cross-posted from the Sheriff’s Newsletter Deputy Dylan Centanino-Sweers recently attended the Special Olympics Washington Winter Games in Wenatchee. He was joined by officers from other local jurisdictions. The Sheriff’s Office stated, “We were honored that Deputy Centanino-Sweers was chosen to award athletes who placed in their respective sports. As a former Renton Special Olympics track and field coach, he has continued to work closely with the organization.” The officers were all there to encourage and congratulate the athletes in their respective sports, which included downhill skiing, boarding, cross country, and other winter… Read More
WA Cares Fund program update: Mandatory payroll deductions begin July 1, 2023
The WA Cares Fund is a mandatory long-term care insurance benefit established by state law. It can be used to purchase long-term care services, which may include professional care, equipment, home safety evaluations, and/or compensation for family members who provide care. The WA Cares Fund is administered by the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Beginning July 1, 2023, all employers in Washington are required to collect the WA Cares Fund premium for the State via mandatory payroll deduction from all employees, unless… Read More
Have your say in upcoming ESJ Plan Refresh sessions
King County is refreshing the county’s Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) Strategic Plan, and you’re invited to share your ideas and experiences and help shape the plan. All Come Awareness Raising Sessions Participate in the All Come Awareness Raising Sessions and learn more about the current plan and future engagement opportunities. Join virtually for one of the following sessions: If you are unable to attend these sessions, they will be recorded and posted on the ESJ Strategic Plan Refresh Sharepoint website. Identity-based Affinity Spaces Any employee can opt-in to identity-based affinity spaces,… Read More
Passing the Torch: An Intergenerational Conversation
The theme for the annual King County Council Women’s History Month panel is “Passing the Torch: An Intergenerational Conversation.” This live, online event is sponsored and moderated by Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Claudia Balducci and Sarah Perry, the Legislative Branch Equity and Social Justice Team, and the King County Women’s Advisory Board. Wednesday, March 29 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Join via livestream on King County TV or Facebook. The panelists sharing their experience and vision will be:
BEES patrol flies at street level
Updated April 23, 2024 “The BEES are easy to spot and quick to offer help,” said King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “Their presence maintains safety, deters crime, and brightens the day of our riders, employees and community members.” For nearly 20 years, there has been a King County Sheriff Patrol that focuses on Metro transit stops and the surrounding areas. Unlike the typical deputy in a vehicle driving around a specific district, responding to calls sometimes miles away, the Bicycle Emphasis and Enforcement Squad – known as BEES – can… Read More
Employee News 