Be prepared for cold temperatures, snow, and ice

Snow is forecast for our region this week with extremely cold temperatures and icy road conditions expected, so please be prepared for possible commute delays and impacts to business operations. If you work onsite, please be prepared for cold weather. Have a plan for your commute, dress warmly, and let safety be your guide when making commute decisions. If you drive, have an emergency kit in your vehicle, including extra clothing, food, water, and a flashlight. Also, make sure your mobile phone is fully charged. Please remember to wear a mask at… Read More

Celebrating Black History Month 2021 in King County

King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed February 2021 to be Black History Month in King County. “King County acknowledges the long history of forced enslavement, and institutional and structural racism toward African Americans in the U.S. and its generational impacts, and has committed itself to make progress on Equity and Social Justice, reflecting its commitment to racially just policies and practices that create opportunities for all people to thrive,“ Executive Constantine said in his Proclamation. “The scientific, technological, economic, political, and cultural innovations by Black Americans and African Americans have been essential… Read More

Pause on visits to Administration Building remains in place

COVID-19 infection rates remain high In our region and we need to be vigilant in our efforts to slow the spread of the virus and make our workplaces safer for employees and the people we serve. Many King County employees remain under the Executive’s mandatory telework order through July 5, 2021, where their work and operations allow for it, and heightened safety measures and protocols have been instituted for those delivering in-person services. The county also continues to restrict employee access to its facilities and has extended the pause on employees accessing… Read More

Are you ready for winter weather?

Snow is expected in our region this week, so now is a great time to ensure you are prepared for an emergency or inclement weather at home or work.   Stay informed: Make sure you’re getting the latest King County information at work and at home in the event of inclement weather. Sign up for KCInform, King County’s employee alert and warning system. KCInform is used to reach County employees during an emergency with timely information about infrastructure disruptions, facility impacts, changes in your department’s business operations, and other critical impacts. Your King County desk… Read More

Three King County employees receive Patriot Awards

King County was recently awarded the Pro Patria award by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program. Three King County supervisors were also personally recognized by ESGR for their support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. During the special online presentation hosted by the Veteran and Military Affinity Group, Teia Tuifua, a supervisor with the Facilities Management Division of the Department of Executive Services, was presented an ESGR Patriot Award. He was nominated for the award by Ryan Nelson, a… Read More

Fa’amomoi Masaniai to become first court judge of Samoan heritage in Washington state

Originally posted in a District Court News Release of Jan. 27, 2021 After serving as a pro tem judge in numerous municipal courts in King and Pierce counties, Judge Fa’amomoi (“Moi”) Masaniai will join the King County District Court bench in February. The King County Council appointed Judge Masaniai at its January 26, 2021, meeting to fill a judicial vacancy in the court’s Southwest District. Active in the Puget Sound Region’s Pacific Islander Community, Judge Masaniai is believed to be the first judge of Samoan heritage to serve on the bench of… Read More

Unlimited FSA carryovers now allowed

New legislation provides relief to employees who may not have been able to use all of their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds during the pandemic. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 COVID-19 relief bill signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020, allows a temporary change to FSAs to help employees avoid losing funds. If you have a Health Care or Dependent Day Care FSA, any unused funds in your FSA account from last year will be rolled over and available for use this year. The rollover of funds from 2020 to 2021 will happen automatically… Read More

King County receives award for supporting Guard and Reserve employees

King County has been awarded the U.S. Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Pro Patria Award for the support it provides to its employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. Pro Patria means ‘for one’s country’, and the ESGR Pro Patria Award is presented annually by each ESGR State Committee. This award recognizes the leadership and practices of an organization that have demonstrated the greatest support to Guard and Reserve employees, including adopting personnel policies that make it easier for them to serve. King County Executive Dow… Read More

Free scooter rides offered to essential workers in Seattle

As LINK prepares to expand in the city of Seattle, the company is offering essential workers who qualify a $50 credit for free scooter rides. Workers in the health care, education, public transit, janitorial and food services industries can apply for the one-time credit by submitting proof of employment and attaching a photo of their work badge, identification card or pay stub — with personal information hidden. LINK will approve or reject each person’s request within one week. Sign up here. For information about employee transportation benefits, visit the Employee Transportation Program (ETP)… Read More

Planning for the future of work for employees of King County

King County is building on what it has learned about working remotely and serving customers during a pandemic to reimagine its workspaces, physical and carbon footprint, and service delivery models in a post-pandemic environment. “COVID-19 forced many changes on the way we work but it has also given us the opportunity to rethink the way we work,” Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams said. “We want to take this opportunity to look at how we deliver services, the way we work, and what we can do differently to better serve our region, our… Read More