July 26 proclaimed Americans with Disabilities Act Day
By Dow Constantine, King County Executive On the 32nd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), with our work to become a pro-equity and anti-racist government, we also recognize that disability is intersectional, and that the ADA remains a crucial tool in addressing the persistent discrimination experienced by persons with disabilities.
What’s hotter than the weather? Water Taxi Summer!
The Water Taxi is a cool way to beat the heat. It’s operating on its summer sailing season, with seven-days-a-week service to and from West Seattle, including midday sailings, and Friday and Saturday night service. Don’t forget your dog or cat, or your bike! Hop aboard for a 15-minute ride across Elliott Bay while enjoying panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, and the Olympics. You can walk to the Mariners game or the Sounders match. When riding from downtown to West Seattle, you can take a shuttle from the Seacrest Dock that will take… Read More
No AC? Can’t open your windows? Here’s how to stay cool.
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider When it’s hot outside, it can be miserable inside if you don’t have air conditioning or can’t open your windows. Public Health Insider has put together tips that can help when it feels like an oven in your home. Read more.
Take care working outdoors during extreme heat
(Updated August 14, 2023) Extremely hot weather is forecast to continue for the next few days in our region, with very high temperatures expected. Some of our work needs to be performed outdoors. Executive Branch departments should evaluate planned field work to determine if this work can be postponed to when temperatures are cooler, where possible. If work must be performed, departments should attempt to adapt schedules wherever possible so work can be performed in the morning. Please see the following advice and tips (this applies to Executive Branch employees. Employees in other branches of County… Read More
Flexible Spending Account mid-year check
We’re past the halfway point of 2022, and for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) participants, it’s a good time to check your FSA balances and take steps to make sure you spend all your remaining funds before the end of the year. Here’s some additional reminders: Health Care FSAs Use Health Care FSA funds to purchase summer-related items such as sunscreen, medical cold packs, and prescription sunglasses. Schedule any necessary back-to-school check-ups and sports physicals if you have children. Many over-the-counter items are FSA-eligible, such as aspirin, cold medicine, antacids, and feminine care…. Read More
Chauntelle Hellner takes the wheel at Fleet
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express Chauntelle Hellner, who has served as Deputy Director of the Business Resource Center (BRC) for the past five years, is the new Director at Fleet Services, replacing the retiring Jennifer Lindwall. “This is a big opportunity and I’m really excited,” said Hellner, who began her new position on June 21. Read more.
Help our buildings “beat the heat”
Forecasters are calling for warmer than normal temperatures across King County over the next week to 10 days. In order to maintain cooler temperatures in your work spaces, please close your shades and blinds. This helps reduce the heat load and strain on the county’s cooling equipment. The acceptable range for King County building temperatures is 70 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit. If there are problems with temperatures in your work area, please contact the FMD Customer Care Services Team at customercareservices.fmd@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-9400. For additional information and recommendations to beat the summer heat, see this blog… Read More
New location for downtown ballot drop box and volunteer to be a Ballot Drop Box Closer on August 2
By Julie Wise, Director, King County Elections It is time for another Primary election! Last week, King County Elections mailed out ballots to our 1.4 million registered voters. If you haven’t seen your ballot arrive in your mailbox yet, give our team a call at 206-296-VOTE (8683). We are here to help! Election Day is August 2, and you can return your ballot by mail or to one of our 76 secure drop box locations across the County. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day – no stamp needed! And ballots… Read More
Change to motor pool vehicles at Goat Hill and King Street garages
Due to upcoming maintenance at Goat Hill Garage, a handful of Fleet Motor Pool Dispatch vehicles for employee use have been moved to the King Street Center Garage. When you reserve a vehicle in the INVERS system, you can choose the downtown garage (Goat Hill or King Street) where you’d like to pick up a vehicle. INVERS will indicate if there are no vehicles available at your preferred garage for the time you requested. If this happens, you can change your request to the other downtown garage and/or change the time period… Read More
Video Q&A: Dr. James on COVID-19 testing
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider We all have questions about COVID-19, and there is a lot to learn when it comes to testing. You might know someone who felt sick after being exposed to COVID, but never tested positive. Or maybe you’re wondering if you should get tested sooner if you haven’t been vaccinated. Dr. James Lewis served as a medical epidemiologist supporting King County’s COVID-19 response for more than two years, before recently accepting a position as Health Officer for Snohomish Health District. Public Health’s Leslie Daniels recently sat down to ask… Read More
Employee News 