Be prepared for cold temperatures, snow, and strong winds
Updated Jan. 8, 2024 Extremely cold temperatures, snow, and strong winds are forecast for our region this week, so please be prepared for possible commute delays and impacts to business operations. If you work on site, please be prepared for cold weather. Have a plan for your commute, dress warmly, and let safety be your guide when making commute decisions. If you drive, have an emergency kit in your vehicle, including extra clothing, food, water, and a flashlight. Power outages: If you are teleworking and experience a power outage that affects your ability to… Read More
State Paid Leave benefits assists military family members
The King County Veterans and Military Affinity Group (VMAG) would like to remind all County employees who are family members of Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve members, that the Washington State Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program is available to assist you when the stressors of deployment arise. The PFML program allows up to 12 weeks of paid leave to prepare for a family member’s pre- and post-deployment, or to manage childcare issues related to a deployment. This benefit may be useful if you have exhausted your accrued leaves. For eligibility information and… Read More
DNRP: Celebrating Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month, Art Hendricks, the Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Manager for the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, was asked to curate a list of resources that employees and the community can access to deepen our knowledge and awareness of Black history. “I encourage you to intentionally learn, discuss, and honor the contributions of African Americans,” stated Hendricks. “Most important, honoring Black History Month is an opportunity to create a sense of community and belonging within our workplace, King County, and across the country.” Read more.
Have an idea to improve language access services? Your department may be eligible for a grant.
King County’s Office of Equity, Racial and Social Justice has grant funds available for qualifying language access projects and programs. The goal of this funding is to assist departments with implementing their Language Access Plans and ensuring meaningful access for persons with disabilities or who speak languages other than English. Eligible proposals must address language access needs or gaps related to COVID-19 and its impacts. Your department or agency is encouraged to apply. If you have an idea, reach out to your Language Access Liaison to discuss potential programs or projects that may be eligible… Read More
Megan Clarke, new King County CIO, featured in Government Technology
Megan Clarke, former Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the city of Burbank, CA, took over King County’s IT Department in January. The announcement was recenlty featured in Government Technology. Prior to joining King County, she worked as a CIO for Stanford University, the University of Southern California, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Read more.
Tax documentation for workplace giving donations available
It’s tax time and you may be asking, how do I document workplace giving charitable donations for my taxes? If you donated through the King County Employee Giving Program, here’s the scoop on just how easy it is to retrieve this documentation for tax purposes. Read more.
King County to observe Presidents Day holiday on Monday, Feb. 20
Most King County offices will be closed in observance of Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 20. Due to the nature of our work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. Metro will remain on regular weekday service. If you have any questions about your schedule, please talk to your supervisor. Offices will return to normal service on Tuesday, Feb. 21.
Metromance: Two bus operators who drove straight to a fairytale!
Cross-posted from Metro Matters The year was 1981. Paul Schwartz and Debra Revere were both assigned to the Ryerson Base in Seattle. Paul had begun driving for Metro in 1979 and Debra in 1980. In a truly perfect Metro moment, the two met in the base bullpen (the lobby for operators). Their first conversation: Discussing Paul’s selection as Operator of the Month. In July of 1982, Debra sent a request to the popular live NPR radio program “A Prairie Home Companion” to have Paul wished a happy birthday during the broadcast. During the broadcast, she… Read More
Vehicle use policy changes
The Use of Vehicles for County Business policy, which covers the use of non-revenue county vehicles and employee-provided vehicles to conduct county business, was recently updated. Since county employees conduct business all over Washington state, one important change that came with this update is allowing vehicles to be driven outside of King County without prior authorization. However, other policies and department or division requirements still apply. Employees who drive county vehicles must have a valid Washington state driver’s license and follow the King County Vehicle Driver’s Operating Manual. The manual covers how… Read More
Have an idea to improve language access services? Your department may be eligible for a grant.
King County’s Office of Equity, Racial and Social Justice has grant funds available for qualifying language access projects and programs. The goal of this funding is to assist departments with implementing their Language Access Plans and ensuring meaningful access for persons with disabilities or who speak languages other than English. Eligible proposals must address language access needs or gaps related to COVID-19 and its impacts. Your department or agency is encouraged to apply! If you have an idea, reach out to your Language Access Liaison to discuss potential programs or projects that… Read More
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