Your ID/ORCA card transit benefits and resources for a safer commute
As a King County employee, your employee ID/ORCA card opens up a world of public transit options in our region. If you’re eligible for commute benefits, one tap of your card pays your fare on the following regular services: Whether it’s bus, rail, or boat, find out more about your transit options on the Employee Transportation Program webpage. In addition to these transit options, employees can access a range of options for a safer commute, including: Find out more about programs for a safer commute on our Future of Work Personal Safety… Read More
Get a flu shot this fall
Dear King County Employee, In the past year, with so many people staying home, social distancing, and masking up, we saw relatively little flu circulating in Washington State. Now with mask mandates lifted in most settings and many people resuming in-person activities, we are likely to see flu activity ramp up this season. It’s especially important for every person to be protected before it starts to spread in our area to give your body time to build immunity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that, with rare exceptions, everyone six months and… Read More
King County Security Tips: Vishing
Cybercriminals not only use the internet and email to gain access to sensitive information, they use telephones to their unlawful advantage. Vishing is the term for criminal attempts to influence action or gain confidential information over the phone using social engineering. How it Works: Criminals have the ability to call from a blocked, “spoofed,” or private number, making it easier to pose as a fellow employee, an authority figure, or any person or organization that you would commonly interact with. Any information regarding the processes or technologies a company uses would assist… Read More
Making Life Easier Benefit: Childcare and Parenting Resources
As parents are preparing for the new school year, it’s likely there is a to-do list that is piled high. Making Life Easier (MLE) provides a free childcare and parenting resource for King County employees that includes unlimited calls and instant messaging for resources and referral assistance for kids from birth to age 16. Childcare consultants can offer resources to support parents in a number of situations like finding emergency back-up care if your school closes, volunteer opportunities for teens, play groups for infants/toddlers, and preschool recommendations. Consultants can also search for… Read More
Husky football ticket discount for King County
Husky Football is excited to offer local government employees discounted football tickets to four great matchups this fall. Portland State – Saturday, Sept. 10 Stanford – Saturday, Sept. 24 Arizona – Saturday, Oct. 15 Colorado – Saturday, Nov. 19 Click here to purchase tickets or for more information about other games, flex plans, season tickets, and group discounts. See all available King County employee discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.
Retirement plan contributions to change Sept. 1
Employee and employer contribution rates for retirement plans will change on Sept. 1, 2022, as approved by the State Legislature. The state Pension Funding Council adjusts contribution rates as needed to fund the retirement benefits earned by members. Click here to see the new contribution rates.
New approach by King County Regional Homelessness Authority featured in Washington Post
King County was featured this week in a Washington Post article on innovations to improve the accuracy of data on the homeless population in our area. The article documents a new method being trialed by the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) for counting unsheltered populations, and also features a report from the King County Department of Community and Human Services that analyzes integrated data hubs to better identify gaps between systems serving our most vulnerable neighbors. Better data will mean more effective solutions for people experiencing homelessness. Read more.
Search and Rescue team airlifts injured hiker
A team from the King County Search and Rescue team recenlty were caught on video airlifting an injured hiker off Cathedral Rock mountain. The hiker had a broken ankle and was not able to continue without assistance. Kudos to the team of deputies involved: Joshua Sweeney, Alexander Paul, Anthony Mullinax, Keith Potter, Robert Clarkson, and Peter Linde. According to a thank you email from the injured hiker, she is successfully recovering back home in California and doctors say she should be able to finish the trail next year. Click here to watch the rescue video.
Free Youth Transit Pass starts Sept. 1
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced today the one-week countdown to the Free Youth Transit Pass at a celebration and rally with advocates, young leaders, families, and officials who were champions for the change. King County will also join regional transit agencies in lowering ORCA LIFT fares to $1. Read more.
King County Elections receives national recognition
King County Elections was honored by the Election Center, the National Association of Election Officials, in the organization’s annual Professional Practice Paper Awards for 2022. The Election Center’s Professional Practices Program is a celebration of best practices from jurisdictions around the country and the U.S. Territories. Read more.
Employee News 