Supporting social and economic justice through the 2022 Annual Giving Drive
As part of the 2022 Annual Giving Drive, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports social and economic justice. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive. You can go online or use a paper form by Friday, Nov. 18, to make a pledge to your favorite Employee Giving Program nonprofits by: For more information, contact your Employee Giving Program Ambassador, visit www.kingcounty.gov/giving, email EmployeeGiving@KingCounty.gov, call 206-263-9372, or attend an online Nonprofit Expo.
Metro’s on-demand ridership Ride Pingo wins national award
Cross-posted from Metro Matters King County Metro’s Ride Pingo to Transit, an on-demand service in Kent, is receiving national acclaim as winner of the Innovation Solutions Award. Presented by trade industry publication METRO Magazine, the honor recognizes the success of the app-based service in providing connections to job centers for residents, especially those working nightshifts and swing shifts. Read more.
Executive Constantine and Mayor Harrell announce new agreement on City Hall Park
King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced a new agreement regarding the future of City Hall Park that will result in the City retaining ownership and developing a plan to safely activate the park and fountain area in Prefontaine Park. The new agreement will include the City of Seattle increasing activation, security, and a visible presence in the park following an expected vote by the City Council to pass the mayor’s proposed budget, which includes $2.8 million dedicated to the park. The City and County previously agreed to… Read More
Wellness Hero Junelle Kroontje on the power of giving
Meet Wellness Hero Junelle Kroontje, manager of the Employee Giving Program. In this video she talks about the Annual Giving Drive and ways we can make an impact in our community by giving to causes we are passionate about. King County employees can donate their time or money as part of the Annual Giving Drive from now until Nov. 18, 2022. Read more here, and watch the interview below.
Benefits Open Enrollment is Nov. 1-15
Benefit changes for 2023: Learn about new options before Open Enrollment Take the time to review your benefit choices—including some new options—before Open Enrollment, Nov. 1–15. Several benefit changes become effective in 2023, including the following: New dental plan choice If you are in the Regular or Transit ATU 587 employee benefit group, you have a second dental plan choice. With the Cigna Dental HMO plan, you choose a network dentist who manages your overall dental care. This plan has no deductible and no annual maximum benefit, which means there is no… Read More
Disability Equity Action Plan Update
In 2020, the disability community reached out to King County, pointing out areas where the County was falling short in equitably serving people with disabilities: ADA compliance, accessibility, communications, disability equity in programs, and inclusive employment. In response to the community feedback, the Office of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ) staff developed a Disability Equity Action Plan in partnership with disability community members and advocacy groups such as the Disability Empowerment Center (formerly Alliance of People with Disabilities), The ARC of King County, The NW ADA Center, and the King County Disability… Read More
Smoky conditions likely continuing tomorrow
Smoke from wildfires is affecting some areas in King County today and tomorrow. While the forecast has smoke decreasing later this week, air quality may change frequently throughout the day, and may be different from location to location. Check airnow.gov and Puget Sound Clean Air Agency for updates. King County departments are implementing standard operating procedures and providing safety guidance for employees who are working outside in smoky conditions. This includes limiting outdoor work and issuing masks. DES Fleet Stores has ample supply of N95 masks for employees. Section Managers and Division… Read More
Supporting people living with disabilities through the 2022 Annual Giving Drive
As part of the 2022 Annual Giving Drive, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports people living with disabilities. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive. You can go online or use a paper form by Friday, Nov. 18, to make a pledge to your favorite Employee Giving Program nonprofits by: For more information, contact your Employee Giving Program Ambassador, visit www.kingcounty.gov/giving, email EmployeeGiving@KingCounty.gov, call 206-263-9372, or attend an online Nonprofit Expo.
Stay home when you’re sick or have symptoms this flu season
We’re heading back indoors, children are back in schools, and sure enough, the cold and flu season has arrived. At the same time, COVID-19 remains with us, and as we spend more time indoors, we could expect to see the number of COVID illnesses rise again. Please do what you can to prevent the spread of illness in our workplaces and community. If you get sick, please follow your agency’s sick leave request and approval protocols and stay home. We value your work here, but it won’t help anyone if you spread… Read More
7 Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering
The Annual Giving Drive is underway and King County employees have until Nov. 18 to fundraise for causes they are passionate about. But did you know that you can give back all year? You can use up to three sick days per calendar year to volunteer at a nonprofit in the Employee Giving Program. Besides providing necessary support to an organization, volunteering for a cause you are passionate about can improve your own mental health and help you feel good. Read through the 7 Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering, including stress reduction, confidence building, and preventing… Read More
Employee News 