Powering regional recovery by inclusion

Every October, King County recognizes Disability Employment Awareness Month, celebrating the many contributions of people with disabilities to our communities, workforce, and country. In 2021, the Disability Awareness Month Committee gathered stories about King County employees working to improve accessibility, provide services, and engage people with disabilities. Click here to read these stories of courage and motivation.

Employees get airport ready for snow

The National Weather Service is predicting a double-dip La Niña winter, similar to last winter. This weather pattern typically results in colder, wetter conditions in our region – including more snow. The teams at King County International Airport-Boeing Field are ready for whatever Old Man Winter brings. At a recent discussion, the Operations and Maintenance teams detailed their winter weather preparations: For 2021-22, the airport will use a new Priority surface clearing map, including taxiways A and B as Priority I. Thanks to some new hires, Operations now has 24-hour coverage. Both… Read More

Join the Walking Bus pilot program

King County has launched a “Walking Bus” pilot program where county employees can join their colleagues and a Facilities Management Division (FMD) Security Escort each evening walking to the King Street Station and the Colman Dock from the downtown campus. In this initial pilot phase, two dedicated security escorts will depart daily, Monday-Friday, from the King County Courthouse: one to the King Street Station and one to the Colman Dock ferry terminal: Meet Location: King County Courthouse, 4th Avenue Entrance Walking Time to King Street Station: 5-10 minutes Walking Time to Colman… Read More

Trading a sick day to help end homelessness

Team members from King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) Director’s Office traded a sick day to volunteer with Sound Foundations NW (SFNW) and be part of the solution to end homelessness in our community. At the Hope Factory in SODO, they worked as a team on an assembly line to construct the frame of a tiny home which will provide shelter for someone experiencing homelessness. This tiny home is 96 square feet and will be set-up at the new Friendship Heights Village at Aurora and 125th in Seattle later… Read More

Meaningful ways to thank a veteran for their service

This article is courtesy of the King County Veterans and Military Affinity Group This Veterans Day, America will pause to honor those who have served in the military. Most Americans hold those who have served in high regard, yet sometimes are unsure how to properly thank a veteran without unintentionally saying the wrong thing, appearing intrusive, or somehow offending them. While it is customary to offer a “thank you for your service” to veterans, you could instead say: “Thank you for putting your life on hold to serve our country.”  “Thank you for the… Read More

Showing support for employees who serve in the U.S. National Guard or Reserves

This article is courtesy of the King County Veterans and Military Affinity Group People join the National Guard and Reserves for a variety of reasons. Participating in the Guard and Reserve enables them to continue with their civilian jobs while still serving our country and being part of something greater than themselves. Their success and ability to focus on their varied missions depend on the support they receive not just from their families but also from their employer, direct supervisor, and fellow co-workers. King County is truly proud to have more than… Read More

KingCare Select members: Choose your Primary Care Provider

A Primary Care Provider (PCP) can make a big difference in your health by delivering continuity of care. This means you and your PCP establish a partnership over time to achieve the best possible health outcomes. Next year, if you are enrolled in the KingCare Select medical plan, you must choose a PCP and let Regence know who you selected by calling them at 888-367-2112, visiting regence.com/pick-a-pcp, or emailing cs@regence.com. If you’re not sure which medical plan you are enrolled in, check your medical ID card or login to PeopleSoft and go to the… Read More

Supporting veterans and military organizations through the 2021 Annual Giving Drive

As part of the 2021 Annual Giving Drive, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports organizations committed to veterans and military issues. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive. Hitching Rail Wellness Center and Retreat (10019) – Provides a center which utilizes horses as a curative tool for helping the recovery of military veterans and first responders who are suffering from P.T.S.D. Operation Restored Warrior (4186) – Healing veterans of PTSD through a life-changing five-day program at no cost to the veteran. Led by combat veterans.  USO Northwest (9585)… Read More

Powering regional recovery by inclusion

Every October, King County recognizes Disability Employment Awareness Month, celebrating the many contributions of people with disabilities to our communities, workforce, and country. As part of our everyday values, King County employees have been working to expand inclusion in the workforce, civic life, and recreation. During the coronavirus pandemic, inclusion means making sure that people with disabilities have access to the basics: food, transportation options, and access to vaccines and health care. In 2021, the Disability Awareness Month Committee gathered stories about King County employees working to improve accessibility, provide services, and… Read More

Domestic Violence Advocates build meaningful relationships with survivors

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in observance, it is important to highlight the work King County is doing to support survivors of domestic violence in King County. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the U.S., resulting in over 10 million people each year. Here in our region, in 2020 the number of domestic violence-related felony charge referrals, the most serious legal filing, did not decrease, despite temporary court closures, the statewide stay at home… Read More