King County Metro seeking community input on future RapidRide K Line in Kirkland and Bellevue 

King County Metro invites Kirkland and Bellevue transit riders and residents to take a survey to tell Metro where they want to see high-quality, frequent, and reliable RapidRide bus service from Kirkland to Bellevue. Metro is looking for specific feedback on route options between Totem Lake, downtown Kirkland, and the South Kirkland Park-and-Ride.  In 2025, Metro plans for RapidRide K Line service to connect eastside riders between communities and to Sound Transit’s Link light rail Blue Line, I-405 Bus Rapid Transit, and the RapidRide B Line. Metro is developing RapidRide K Line service for riders in the fast-growing communities between Totem Lake,… Read More

Build partners for Children and Family Justice Center reflect on meaningful project 

Design-build partners Howard S. Wright, HOK, and Integrus Architecture came together to discuss their time working on the Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center.   A strong team approach is the secret sauce for the success between HSW, HOK, Integrus and the County. “There were so many different folks that actually helped inform the design of the building through the process,” said HOK Senior Design Principal Alan R. Bright. That’s probably been the most joyful part, is people working together to make a difference in this amazing facility.”    Check out the video below to hear… Read More

AGS awards seven Ethical GEO Fellowships, including King County employee 

Crossposted from GIS & You  The American Geographical Society has announced the award of the first seven Ethical GEO Fellowships. Greg Babinski, KCGIS Finance and Marketing Manager within the Department of Information and Technology (KCIT), was honored to be selected as one of the seven Fellows.   The American Geographical Society (AGS) is dedicated to the advancement of geographic thinking, knowledge, and understanding across business, government, academe, social sectors, and most importantly with teachers and students. Established in 1851, AGS is the oldest professional geographical organization in the United States.  Read more from GIS & You

2020 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Jan. 16 

Community members and King County employees are invited to join in  honoring our nation’s foremost human rights leader and King County’s namesake, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The theme for the 2020 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is “Yes, we are on the move and no wave of racism can stop us. We are on the move now.” They keynote address will be given by john a. powell, Director, Othering & Belonging Institute, University of California, Berkeley. The program also includes music and spoken word.  Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020,  noon to 1 p.m., Town Hall… Read More

Pet of the Week: Stevie 

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC  Stevie is a 14 year-old, female, brown tabby & white, longhair cat (A593379). Her personality color is GREEN, meaning she is an adaptable cat who loves to go with the flow. Stevie can be independent at times, but she loves petting and will even hop up in the laps of strangers. She is usually the first cat to greet those who come to visit.  Read more from Tails from RASKC

Celebrating Native American Awareness Month in King County

Dear King County employee, November is Native American Awareness Month in King County, a time for us to celebrate the history, culture, and many contributions of Native people throughout our region and here at King County. We are on the ancestral lands of the Muckleshoot, Snoqualmie, Puyallup, Tulalip, and Suquamish Tribes, and the Duwamish people. And our community is home to a large population of Native people from Tribal nations across the country. Together with our Tribal partners we are advancing efforts to preserve open space, restore critical habitat, and save Orca… Read More

Focus on values: We are one team

Dear employee, What do you think of when you hear the words “We are one team?” For me, “We are one team” is about strong relationships, trust, respect, and diversity: Our relationships with one another are crucial to our success. We all rely on one another to get our work done. Each of us brings unique skills and experiences to our teams. We come from different backgrounds and places. The more we get to know one another – what we like, our communication style, what we do outside of work – the… Read More

Giving thanks by giving back

Dear fellow King County employee: In the midst of planning, traveling, cooking, working, and reflecting we are encouraged to stop and take a moment next week to celebrate all of those very precious people and things we have in our lives. This year, I am thankful for the extra time we were never promised with my mother. The moments and memories we were able to create and the endless gifts she gave to me of courage, love, and perseverance. I am grateful for my work family who, without flinching, stepped up to… Read More

Join the Great American Smokeout, Nov. 21 

Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It takes time. And a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one. Let the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout event on Nov. 21 be your day to start your journey toward a smoke-free life. You’ll be joining thousands of people who smoke across the country in taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing your cancer risk. Plus, the American Cancer Society can help you access the resources and support you need to quit.  Learn about resources available, information on quitting… Read More

2019 Annual Giving Drive: Spotlight on nonprofits fighting hunger  

The Annual Giving Drive ends this Friday, Nov. 22, and this week we’re highlighting four nonprofits that are fighting hunger in our community and across the world:  Feed the Children (5003) One of the world’s leading anti-hunger organizations, bringing together caring individuals to provide food, water, education, and job training in 50 states and 18 countries.  Food Lifeline (9302) We rescue millions of pounds of surplus food from farmers, manufacturers, grocery stores, and restaurants. We then deliver this healthy and nutritious food to 275 food banks.  Northwest Harvest (9013) We are Washington’s leading hunger relief and… Read More