Electric scooter share pilot program 

King County has launched a one-year pilot program for shared electric scooters in accordance with Ordinance 18989. We’re creating this pilot program to offer new mobility options in the North Highline Urban Unincorporated Area, including White Center. Scooter share programs operate much like bike share programs – anyone can access a scooter using a smartphone app, ride to their destination, and leave the scooter in an appropriate location.  This pilot program will help the County determine whether shared Scooters can support the County’s policy goals of:  Improving first/last mile connections to transit  Reducing… Read More

Substance use and mental health disorder recovery resources during the pandemic 

The pandemic is creating unique challenges for those faced with substance use and mental health disorders, including those in active recovery. Social isolation can heighten symptoms and cravings. Meanwhile connection – the antidote to isolation and a cornerstone of many recovery programs – has changed in the face of social distancing.   Before coronavirus, rooms and facilities in communities across the globe were filled with groups of people offering each other resources, tips, and stories of strength and hope. Now, those groups have been asked to stop meeting in-person, to prevent the spread… Read More

Hot weather tips during a pandemic 

Crossposted from the Public Health Insider  Beautiful, warmer weather is in the forecast, but we all know this summer looks and feels different. With safety measures in place for COVID, we won’t be able to head to the air-conditioned comfort of movie theaters, malls, or even libraries. Pools, splash parks, and many beaches are closed. In previous summers, some cities have opened air-conditioned community spaces for the public to cool off. They won’t be able to open them this summer because with COVID circulating, it’s too risky to have groups of people close together… Read More

Executive Constantine submits $87 million emergency COVID-19 budget for drive-through testing in South King County, housing, and childcare 

King County Executive Dow Constantine has transmitted an emergency supplemental budget to the King County Council for the fourth time since the COVID-19 outbreak. The $87 million proposal includes funding for new test sites, housing, and arts organizations.  The $87 million emergency supplemental budget provides funds for one-time investments to help in the health and economy recovery of King County.  Included in the budget is $11 million for at least two drive-through/walk-up testing sites in South and East King County that can provide 500-1,000 tests per day. Public Health – Seattle &… Read More

Learn about the proposed 2021-2022 budget

Dwight Dively, Director of the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget, has recorded a short video about the proposed 2021-2022 budget. In the video, he discusses the uncertainties we’re facing as we plan for the next two years, the budget shortfalls in several funds, and the County’s commitment to investing in anti-racist policies. “My team in the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget is currently reviewing budget proposals and developing recommendations for the County Executive,” Dwight said. “There are still many unknowns and a lot of work to do between now and… Read More

New name for DHR division   

As the Benefits, Payroll and Retirement Operations Section of the Department of Executive Services (DES) gets set to join the Department of Human Resources (DHR) in 2021, DHR’s existing Employee Health and Safety Division (EHSD) will be renamed Central Employee Services Division (CESD), effective Jan. 1, 2021.   This change will more accurately reflect the full suite of services that the expanded division will provide beginning next year.   Employees in BPROS and EHSD took part in a survey to name the division. While Employee Services Division (ESD) received the highest number of votes… Read More

Ride Away Your Stress, Safely and Affordably! 

Crossposted from the Public Health Insider  By Emily Devora Hops, UW MPH Student, Violence and Injury Prevention Unit  When you are stressed out, what do you do to relax? Did you know that physical activity reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones?  In fact, exercise releases brain chemicals that improves mood. During times of high stress, riding a bicycle is a great way to improve your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Biking can help you get to where you need to go and be a rejuvenating social activity to do with family, friends or alone.  Within King County,… Read More

WW now offering live, interactive Virtual Workshops 

WW now offers live, interactive Virtual Workshops, led by a WW coach that will support you on your wellness journey. During Virtual Workshops, you’ll be connected with other WW members based on your hobbies and lifestyle. There are also groups for your favorite activity, age, location, and more.  Sign up for WW at www.WW.com/wellness and enter King County Access ID: 33139. All King County employees and benefits-covered spouses or state-registered domestic partners are eligible for WW discounted rates and a 50% subsidy. For more information, contact balancedyou@kingcounty.gov. 

King County receives award for employee engagement program

King County recently received an ACE Award from Confirmit for improvements made in employee engagement as a result of its annual surveys and an employee-led action plan process to address issues identified in the survey. King County was further distinguished by being named the Judge’s Choice in the Employee Experience category and was the only public sector winner in any category. Confirmit’s 5,000 clients from around the world were eligible to apply. “This accomplishment was achieved by the collective efforts of employees and managers at all levels of our organization over the… Read More

Featured Job: Principal Accountant

Salary: $82,825.60 – $104,998.40 Annually Location: Seattle, WA  Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week  Department: DES – Executive Services Job Number: 2020JM11949 Division: FBOD-Finance & Business Ops Closing: 8/16/2020 11:59 PM Pacific  Learn more about this position or view all available positions