KCIT launches innovative app to support DNRP Park Rangers

King County IT’s GIS Center recently launched a new app for the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) Park Ranger program, marking a significant advancement in how King County monitors and manages park incidents. Built exclusively for DNRP, this tool provides the first centralized system for tracking park rule violations and other incidents – data that will help improve park safety and enhance the visitor experience. The goal is simple yet powerful, to turn Rangers’ “boots on the ground” work into actionable insights for King County leadership. Using the app, Rangers… Read More

Energize your workday with King County Activity Centers

Hoping to move more while working onsite? Energize your workday and unleash productivity and overall well-being with onsite fitness resources and movement breaks. Maintained by Balanced You, King County provides numerous worksite Activity Centers. These conveniently located spaces provide opportunities for employees to get moderate levels of physical activity and movement – before, during, and after work. Every Activity Center is different, and may feature various commercial grade cardio and strength equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent bikes, dumbbells, stretching areas, stability balls, and more. Check out this fun video to learn more… Read More

King County to observe Presidents Day holiday on Monday, Feb. 16

Most King County offices will be closed in observance of Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 16. Due to the nature of our work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. Metro will remain on regular weekday service. If you have any questions about your schedule, please talk to your supervisor. Offices will return to normal service on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

KCCF celebrates two sergeant promotions

Crossposted from the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention Employee Newsletter Colleagues, friends, and family members packed the Seattle Division Roll-call Room at the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) to celebrate newly promoted Sergeants Kristine Raknes and Rey Auriada. Read more.

Executive Zahilay shares latest Executive Update

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay shared a video update of some of the priorities he’s been working on. “January has been the first full month of my new administration and our King County teams have been hard at work opening new affordable housing, expanding public transit, organizing federal response, supporting flood recovery, and building out a team that can begin advancing my policy priorities,” the Executive said in a post on LinkedIn. “We will keep you updated!” Watch the video on LinkedIn.

Employee discount at downtown Seattle coffee shop

Parlour Pioneer Square coffee shop is happy to offer King County employees a 15% discount on coffee drinks and coffee products. Purchases must be made in person, and employees will need to show their King County ID badge in order to receive the discount. Parlour Pioneer Square is located at 119 Yesler Way. See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.

A new tool makes it easy to find a Wetland Walk and celebrate World Wetlands Day

Crossposted from Headwaters Do you enjoy winter wildlife, unique plants, and peaceful preserves? Are you craving time outdoors in the midst of our darkest season? If so, allow us to recommend a Wetland Walk! King County is home to different types of wetlands, including tidal marshes, wet meadows, and swamps. These special ecosystems support plants, animals, and people, and provide wonderful opportunities to get outside and explore. Read more.

King County Licensing takes steps to combat human trafficking through awareness and training of taxi drivers

While Human Trafficking Awareness Month is wrapping up, the need for more eyes and ears on alert for this horrific crime continues all year long. Human trafficking occurs when force, fraud, or coercion is used to compel a person into sex acts, labor, or services against their will. One organization, Real Escape from the Sex Trade (REST), estimates that more than 2,000 women, men, and children are currently being exploited in the Puget Sound region. Human trafficking is usually considered a hidden crime because it often happens in private settings. However, it… Read More

Celebrating winners of the 24th John D. Spellman Awards, King County’s highest honor for historic preservation

Crossposted from Field Notes The winners of the 24th John D. Spellman Awards for Exemplary Achievement in Historic Preservation include the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe for restoring one of the oldest structures in the region, a longtime family-owned business that is a community cornerstone in downtown Enumclaw, and a former museum director in Renton whose passion for history brought local stories to life for nearly two decades. We hosted a celebration for the winners at the Lake Wilderness Lodge in Maple Valley where then-King County Executive Shannon Braddock presented the awards. Read more.

King County receives national award for commitment to career development program

Today, King County became the first public agency to receive the Year Up United Impact Award, recognizing its commitment to creating pathways to opportunity through the Year Up United internship program. Presented by John Stanton, Chairman of the Seattle Mariners and Trilogy International Partners and founding Chairman of the Year Up United Puget Sound Board, and Shawna Boggie, Year Up United Deputy Director of Western Washington, the national award recognizes corporate partners and individuals who demonstrate longstanding and significant support for their mission of closing the Opportunity Divide. After three years of… Read More