Griffin Creek flooded but now farms and fish return following completion of innovative project
From Keeping King County Green Heavy rainfall in 2019 and 2021 caused more than just water from Griffin Creek to surge over the banks and fan out across farmer Todd McKittrick’s fields. Sand, gravel, and rock swept across 15 acres of McKittrick’s fertile land along Griffin Creek, rendering the acreage unusable for farming. The torrent also left adult coho salmon returning to the creek’s spawning grounds stranded in a field amidst the debris and grass, with many of the fish dying before they could complete their journey. Projects such as Griffin Creek are… Read More
Retirement resources for Financial Literacy Month
As part of King County’s commitment to employee wellness, Balanced You observes Financial Literacy month. Financial wellness is a key component to overall wellness. This week, we are highlighting retirement resources. Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, but there are classes available that offer the information you need. If you are planning for retirement, consider attending the classes below. Road to Retirement Are you planning to retire in the next six months? If so, join your Retirement Team for this informative two-hour class. We’ll discuss procedures and forms, medical coverage options, and… Read More
Federal Public Health Emergency ends May 11
President’s Biden’s administration has announced that the current federal Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 will be lifted on May 11, 2023. This means that King County’s obligations under the Health Emergency Labor Standards Act (HELSA) will also end as of that date. Currently the county is prohibited from discharging, replacing, or discriminating against high-risk employees for seeking accommodations or utilizing leave to limit their risk of exposure to Covid-19. Because of the improved conditions in the community which have led to the announcement of the lifting of the state of emergency, as… Read More
Enhance workplace culture and increase equity in King County by participating in Identity-Based Affinity Spaces
King County employees are invited to participate in Identity-Based Affinity Spaces to engage and provide information and ideas on how King County can enhance its workplace culture, increase equity in workforce practices, and ensure inclusion and belonging for all employees. King County is particularly interested in hearing from on-site, customer-facing, and shift employees. Sign up for an Identity-Based Affinity Space by April 21 using the opt-in form. The Identity-Based Affinity Spaces are different from the King County Affinity Groups. They have been created specifically for the refresh project and assure employees they… Read More
Executive proclaims April as Arab American Heritage Month
In recognition of contributions to all aspects of society by Americans of Arab descent and Arab immigrants, including science, business, culture, and social services, King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed April 2023 to be Arab American Heritage Month. “I encourage all residents to honor the contribution of Arab Amercians to our county, state, and nation,” the Executive stated. Read the full prolcamation below.
Annual Employee Engagement Survey postponed to 2024
King County will not conduct an Employee Engagement Survey in 2023. The annual survey usually occurs in March of each year. However, due to staffing challenges the survey will not take place this year. Listening to employees and actively addressing their concerns and desired outcomes is key to building a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive workplace culture, and we will seek other opportunities to engage with employees. The Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan Refresh project and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Benefits Review project offers multiple touchpoints for employee perspectives and feedback…. Read More
Guided by community voices, Michael Carter builds King County’s first Green Jobs Program
From Keeping King County Green As King County’s first Green Jobs Program Manager, Michael Carter knew his initial task would be to do a lot of listening. Working out of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks Director’s Office, Michael was asked to develop a countywide green jobs strategy – and that meant listening to the communities we serve, as well as partner employers and organizations. Read more.
Digging in with natural yard care this spring helps protect people and prevents pollution
From Keeping King County Green Using natural yard care methods in your garden or yard this spring will not only result in vibrant green spaces, but it will also protect people, pets, and wildlife from exposure to harmful chemicals and prevent pollution of local waterways. In King County, people can access free, sustainable garden and yard care information. Read more.
Focus on values: We respect all people
King County Executive Dow Constantine recently relaunched the True North and Executive branch values with a monthly focus on each of the values to help us gain a deeper understanding of them and how we apply them to our work. This month, we are focusing on the value “We respect all people.” It doesn’t matter where we work at the County; it is imperative that we treat every person we work alongside and serve with respect. Respect is the foundation of everything we do, and we need to seek to understand all… Read More
Metro receives national recognition for ‘first of its kind’ battery-bus software
Cross-posted from Metro Matters Foundry’s CIO, a national publication that focuses on the use of technology in business, is recognizing a King County Metro program that is the first of its kind in North America. Software measuring the effectiveness of the infrastructure that powers our battery-electric bus fleet received the CIO 100 award from the publication. Read more.
Employee News 