Executive Constantine outlines top priorities for 2021
King County Executive Dow Constantine has shared the top priorities he is focused on in 2021 and beyond. “While 2021 has begun with new challenges, it is crucial that we continue to push ahead with our priorities and solutions with a sense of renewed urgency and action,” Executive Constantine said. “I am proud of everything we have accomplished together, and I am excited about what’s possible and what’s needed on our path ahead.” Executive Constantine listed his top priorities as: Health through Housing COVID-19 Response & Vaccination COVID-19 Recovery Anti-racism and pro-equity… Read More
Update your life insurance beneficiaries
Life and disability insurance are important to those who depend on you for financial security. Survivor benefits provide financial assistance in your absence. It’s important to review and keep your beneficiaries up to date for the life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage you have through King County. By designating a beneficiary, you ensure the person of your choice receives the proceeds. If you have not designated beneficiaries, you will be receiving two emails and a home mailer from the life and AD&D insurance plan manager, Securian Financial, the parent company… Read More
A roadmap for Clean Water Healthy Habitat
A major milestone is in the books for Clean Water Healthy Habitat, King County Executive Dow Constantine’s environmental initiative launched in September 2019 to better align the outstanding work we do throughout King County government to achieve better results faster for all living things in King County. Executive Constantine last month announced completion of the Clean Water Healthy Habitat Strategic Plan (SharePoint link), saying it was shaped by expert employee advice that strengthened the strategic plan and turned an aspirational concept into a roadmap with clear direction and measurable goals. “I am… Read More
COVID-19 Child Care Reimbursement Program now available
A new temporary program will provide $500 to $5,000 tax-free to those in the Regular Employee Benefits Group to reimburse them for child care provided during the 2020/2021 school year. The COVID-19 Child Care Reimbursement Program was created by King County management and unions in the Joint Labor Management Insurance Committee (JLMIC) in response to the overwhelming impacts of COVID-19 on working parents. It is funded with $9M from the Protected Fund Reserve of the JLMIC. Who can participate? If you are enrolled in the Regular Employee Benefits Plan, you can be… Read More
Panel discussion on understanding ableism, Jan. 21
The King County Disability Consortium is hosting an online community discussion on ableism, the intersection of racism and disability, and where there is still work to do. Understanding Ableism: Nothing About Us, Without Us is an informative panel discussion on how people with disabilities/disabled people define ableism and how it shows up in their own lives. The panel will also discuss the intersection of disability and other marginalized identities, especially race, other people’s role in combating ableism, how disability justice meshes with other civil rights issues and ways we can all support… Read More
Please join me today, Jan. 14, for MLK Day Celebration
Dear fellow King County employee, I am writing to invite you to the 2021 King County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration today, Thursday, Jan. 14, from noon to 1 p.m. While public health guidance won’t allow us to gather in person this year, I, along with the MLK Celebration Planning Committee, the Black/African Affinity Group, the Native American Leadership Council, and Council Chair Claudia Balducci, are hoping that you will join us to honor the life and legacy of our County’s namesake, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s event comes… Read More
Teleworking employees impacted by power outages
Dear employee, Power outages are affecting some employees’ ability to effectively work remotely today. If you are unable to telework effectively today, please contact your supervisor to discuss other options for completing work tasks today. These may include taking leave or working from your regular King County worksite for today only. If you are currently teleworking and have an operational need to work at your regular King County worksite today, please obtain supervisor approval. If you do have to go into an office area, please ensure you wear a mask over your… Read More
Update on rollout of COVID-19 vaccines
Dear fellow King County employee, Last week I announced $7 million to create high-volume community vaccination sites and mobile teams so that as many people as possible in our community can receive COVID-19 vaccinations as quickly as possible. My strategy is closely aligned with Washington State Department of Health (DOH) guidance for vaccine allocation, prioritization, and distribution. DOH has released a priority plan for vaccinating people in the next tiers, starting with Tier B1 potentially later this month. It has also released a chart showing estimated timelines for vaccine distribution, which contains… Read More
We’ve moved to a better, more modern standard Internet browser
Many of us at King County recently were moved to the Modern Edge browser, which is faster and runs all web applications previously accessed with Internet Explorer and Edge Legacy. The move doesn’t impact any other browsers employees may currently have on their devices, such as Chrome or Firefox. Last week, a vendor inadvertently hastened the move to the Modern Edge browser by changing settings for many county users. This meant if you previously had Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge, you were moved to Microsoft Modern Edge ahead of KCIT’s schedule. We regret users didn’t receive advance notice. However, all employees need the Modern Browser to work more effectively with applications and web-based content. Here is… Read More
Special Online Event for Veteran and Military Employees, January 21, Noon – 1:30 p.m.
King County is hosting a special online event for veteran and military employees on Jan. 21. Employees and family members are invited to join us for one or all of the virtual presentations below. Register HERE (open only to King County employees and family members). Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Award Presentation Noon – 12:15 p.m. King County Executive Dow Constantine will accept the Pro Patria Award from the Washington State ESGR Committee. The Pro Patria Award is presented annually to one small, one large, and one public sector employer… Read More
Employee News 