Use your 2022 FSA funds

If you still have funds remaining in last year’s Health Care or Day Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), be sure to get reimbursed for expenses incurred in 2022. Here’s how: 1. Check your FSA balances: Go to Navia Benefits and log in as a participant. 2. Learn about eligible expenses incurred Jan. 1—Dec. 31, 2022: Health Care FSAs cover a variety of medically necessary expenses for you and your eligible family members, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copays, and other Eligible Health Care Expenses. Day Care FSAs cover a range of services for your child, disabled spouse, or… Read More

March proclaimed Women’s History Month

King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed March 2023 as Women’s History Month. “Women are making history every day and will continue to do so in ways that will change our county and country,” the proclamation states. The Executive enccourages all King County residents to honor the central roles that women of every race, class, and ethnic background hold every day that are essential to the progress of our nation. Read the entire proclamation below.

Sheriff’s Office Detective prevents overdose at Burien Transit Center

From the Sheriff’s Newsletter On Feb. 10, Metro Transit Resource Officer (TRO) Michael Ramirez conducted a routine patrol at the Burien Transit Center (BTC). The BTC has been the focus of weekly directed patrol missions due to crime and narcotic use in the area. While patrolling the BTC, Ramirez – a Sheriff’s Office Detective – observed a male slumped over in a wheelchair. Concerned, Detective Ramirez checked on him and, through training and experience, found that the person had noticeable agonal breathing and was likely overdosing on a narcotic (presumed fentanyl). Detective… Read More

Celebrating Black Women at Metro

Cross-posted from Metro Matters Metro understands that to become anti-racist and pro-equity, our celebration of Black History Month must be centered on the experiences of those who continue to push us to model and champion our values. This year, Metro is celebrating Black women at Metro and the difference they make in operations by sharing their stories of hope, perseverance, and resilience. Read more.

Wastewater becomes a resource for growing food with help from a treatment plant

Cross-posted from Clean Water Stories CitySoil Farm was started in 2008 as a demonstration site to show the benefits of turning wastewater into valuable resources such as recycled water and biosolids that can be used as fertilizer. After 12 years, it has become a 1.5-acre city farm that not only produces food for the community, but also has outdoor classrooms, an orchard, and multiple learning spaces. Read more.

KCIA’s Kevin Nuechterlein presents at national transportation conference

Cross-posted from Plane Talk Kevin Nuechterlein, Capital Project Manager at King County International Airport (KCIA), was one of three KCIA employees who attended the Transportation Research Board’s Annual Meeting, the world’s largest transportation research conference. More than 8,000 people attended the event in Washington, D.C., participating in more than 600 workshops and sessions, including a “Fireside Chat” with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. Nuechterlein served as a panelist during a session about community engagement, sharing lessons learned on earlier projects and upcoming airport plans to work with… Read More

King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s Operator-in-Training program recognized for national award

Cross-posted from Clean Water Stories The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) recognized King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s Operator-in-Training program as a 2023 National Environmental Achievement Award winner for “initiatives that have made a remarkable impact on environmental protection, the advancement of the water sector, and the betterment of their communities.” Read more. Program now accepting applications The Operator-in-Training program is now accepting applications. There is no experience necessary for this paid, on-the-job training. Visit the Operator in Training website for more information.

Supporting people and communities affected by Türkiye and Syria earthquakes

On Feb. 6, a massive earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria, flattening entire cities and communities. Tens of thousands of people lost their lives and many more were injured. Hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless in freezing temperatures, without access to basic needs such as shelter, health care, sanitation, food, and water. King County employees can help these communities recover and rebuild is by making donations to organizations that are providing humanitarian aid and support for the people impacted by the earthquake. A 21-day natural disaster response campaign will allow King… Read More

Report non-urgent public issues with Find It, Fix It mobile app

It’s now easier than ever for residents and people working in Seattle, including King County employees, to report non-urgent public issues. The City of Seattle’s Find It, Fix It mobile app is a simple way to report an issue, track reports, and view service requests. Examples of issues include a streetlight outage, clogged storm drain, graffiti, abandoned vehicles, illegal dumping, unauthorized encampment, and potholes. If you see an issue that needs addressing near or on the way to a County workplace in Seattle, use the app to report it. The app is… Read More

Upcoming changes coming to two-factor authentication

On Feb. 22, 2023, Microsoft will update the Authenticator phone app that King County employees use for multi-factor authentication (MFA). What does this change mean for you? Just like today, employees signing into King County enterprise systems may be asked to verify their identity through MFA; this can be done via text, phone call, digital fob, or using the Microsoft Authenticator app. After the update, employees who use the Authenticator app will no longer click the “Accept” button to confirm their identity. Instead, the app will generate a random number you will… Read More