Five questions with Brendan McCluskey, Director of the King County Office of Emergency Management 

Why did you start in your role with King County, and what is your official title? I am the Director of the King County Office of Emergency Management. I started with King County March 2019. I came to the County from New Jersey, where I was the State’s Director of Public Health Preparedness. Previously, I had been the Deputy State Emergency Management Director for Maryland. I also participate as a volunteer assessor and assessment team leader for the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP). King County is an accredited emergency management program, and I served as… Read More

Revamped dock at Pier 50 offers new accessibility features 

It took two years for a full rebuild, but as of August 2019, the new passenger-only ferry dock at Pier 50 has reopened, to include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements for those with mobility issues. Travelers taking regional ferry service to West Seattle, Vashon, Bremerton and Kingston can now wait under a fully-covered dock with inside seating. A tactile path and tactile signs also guide the way forward to the boat and a new ADA assistance station.  The new dock even includes an elevator that will connect to a new pedestrian bridge… Read More

From King County Elections Director Julie Wise: Volunteer to be a Ballot Drop Box Closer for Nov. 5

Dear Colleagues, The General Election is coming up fast and we need your help to make the experience of voting fun and simple for our neighbors and constituents. Across our county, all ballot drop boxes close at 8 p.m. on Election Night. This election, we’re looking for over 100 volunteers to provide any assistance voters need to ensure their ballot gets cast and their vote gets counted. Who: You and your co-workers! What: Closing ballot drop boxes across King County When: Election Night – Nov. 5 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Where: You… Read More

Discount to Summit at Snoqualmie 

Discounts for the Summit at Snoqualmie 2019-2020 Season Pass are now available. To take advantage of the King County Discount for Unlimited pass (covering adult, young adult, teen, youth, child, senior, and super senior) and Limited (covering adult, young adult, teen, youth, and senior) season passes follow these online instructions. The deepest discounts will be available until Nov. 6. The season pass sale will end Jan. 8, 2020. For more information about rates and discounts for the Summit at Snoqualmie 2019-2020 season, view this flyer or email summitstore@summiti90.com.   View all available discounts at www.kingcounty.gov/employeediscounts. 

Training Spotlight: Facilitating Effective Meetings

Facilitating Effective Meetings, Nov. 14:  A common challenge faced by individuals in business is how to lead and facilitating meetings that are interesting and solicit active engagement. This one day training covers the skills used by a facilitator to design and run an effective meeting. How to be a better participant is also discussed. Topics include specific facilitation skills, group decision making skills, and how to deal with disruptive behaviors.  View more training and development opportunities at www.kingcounty.gov/learning. 

Featured Job: Animal Care Technician 

Salary: $19.90 – $25.22 Hourly  Location: Kent, WA  Job Type: Multiple job types-career service and/or temp  Department: DES – Executive Services  Job Number: 2019SG10680  Closing: 10/13/2019 11:59 PM Pacific  Learn more about this position or view all available positions. 

Pet of the Week: Priscilla 

Priscilla is a 7 year-old, female, shorthair, gray tabby cat (A591804). Her personality color is GREEN, meaning she is an adaptable cat who loves to go with the flow. This sweet girl can be a little shy in new situations, but it doesn’t take her long to get comfortable and show you what a sweetie pie she is!  Read more at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. 

2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan – All staff workshop, Oct. 31 

Advancing our “We are responsible stewards” value We are updating King County’s Strategic Climate Action Plan – the five-year blueprint for climate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for climate change, and work with partners and communities on climate. All King County employees are invited to participate in a staff workshop to provide their feedback and ideas. What are the most important and impactful climate actions we can take? Where can the County lead? What can we accomplish in partnership with you? The workshops will take place Thursday, Oct. 31 from… Read More

Volunteer to be a Ballot Drop Box Closer for Nov. 5

Looking for some Election Day excitement?  Meet your neighbors and continue your commitment to public service by volunteering as a drop box closer.  Drop box closers are the friendly face the public sees on Election Day, ensuring that every vote is counted and every voice is heard. Who: You and your co-workers! What: Closing ballot drop boxes across King County When: Election Night – Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Where: A drop box location near you Most voters wait until Election Day to return their ballots, with drop… Read More

2019 Annual Giving Drive: Spotlight on nonprofits supporting people with disabilities 

King County’s Annual Giving Drive Program started Monday, Oct. 7, and almost 1,200 nonprofits are taking part this year.  Throughout this year’s drive, we’ll feature four nonprofits in different categories. In honor of Disability Awareness Month, we’ve highlighted four nonprofits that support people with disabilities that you can donate to. Art with Heart (9220) 316 Broadway Ste. 316 Seattle, WA 98122 –The foundation helps children in trauma and or/adversity find peace, by spreading the healing power of creative expression through art and humanities. Athletes for Kids (9774) 3020 Issaquah Pine Lake Rd #254, Sammamish, WA 98075 – A… Read More