Clean Water Plan Employee Open House, today 1-3 p.m.

Over the next few decades, our region will spend billions of dollars to protect water quality in our rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound. The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks is preparing a Clean Water Plan so we make the right water quality investments at the right time. King County needs to update its wastewater plan and understand other ways to achieve clean water in the region. We are having a conversation about the plan because we want to hear from you about the best ways to make these investments. Join us today… Read More

From the Hip: Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer 

Why our True North and Values are important   When King County employees talk about why they chose to work here, the answers tend to be pretty similar: “I want to help my community.” “I want to make a difference in people’s lives.” “I want to do the work I really care about.” It’s no surprise that these responses are closely aligned with our True North – Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive – because it’s a vision that succinctly captures the work that we do and why we do… Read More

Training Spotlight: Basic Data Visualization

Basic Data Visualization, Oct 9: Our ability to gather and collect data has steadily increased over the past decade. But data alone is not information and does not easily convey a compelling story. This half-day introductory course will allow participants to understand why data visualization is important, explore ways to tell a story with data, and mock up data visualizations in whiteboard exercises, using tips explored in class. Register and learn more. View more training and development opportunities at www.kingcounty.gov/learning.

Happy VANniversary! Metro celebrates 40 years of commuter vans 

Crossposted from Metro Matters   What started as a small King County Metro fleet of 21 vans and 189 riders in 1979 is now the nation’s largest public fleet of vanpools. Today there are over 1,600 vans that carry 11,000 riders and drivers each day.  Public commuter van riders, on average, take six single-occupancy vehicles off the road each weekday, which annually reduces 48 million vehicle miles, saves more than 2 million gallons of fuel and prevents 50 million pounds of greenhouse gas from entering our atmosphere—that’s 22 million metric tons.  Learn more about… Read More

Pet of the Week: Wrigley 

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC  Wrigley is one cool cat who exudes cool cat vibes.  This handsome 12 year old guy is very relaxed and chill.  Wrigley enjoys the company of humans and all the love and affection they give him.  He does well with other cats (and has previously lived with other cats), but would still do best with a slow introduction.  He’s not a big fan of young children due to their high energy (they kind of kill his chill vibe).  He may, however, do well with older children.  Read… Read More

Featured Job: Administrative Specialist III 

Salary: $24.64 – $31.23 Hourly  Location: Multiple locations in King County, WA  Job Type: Civil Service, Full Time, 40/hrs Wk  Department: King County Sheriff’s Office  Job Number: 2019-SD09970  Closing: 7/29/2019 11:59 PM Pacific  Great opportunity to join the King County Sheriff’s Office team in an administrative support role.  This position performs a wide variety of administrative and clerical duties, customer service support and/or oversight office coordination that is specialized and/or technical in nature, performed under limited supervision, according to department/unit assignment.  This position is a civil service position, for information regarding King County… Read More

August Primary Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 6 

Last week, King County Elections (KCE) mailed out ballots to its 1.3 million voters. If you have not received your ballot, please call 206-296-VOTE (8683). There is a long list of important races on the Primary ballot this year – 56 races and 218 candidates to be exact. Drop your ballot in a drop box by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6; drop it in the mail (NOT interoffice mail!) to be postmarked by Aug. 6; or visit a Vote Center.

Get Ready for Wildfire Smoke Season

Dear employee, Summer has finally arrived and with it comes the risk that we will once again experience unhealthy levels of air quality due to wildfire smoke. Washington state has declared a state of drought and there have already been a record number of small wildfires across western Washington this year. As a result of climate change, we should be prepared for more frequent and larger wildfires during Pacific Northwest summers. Before the smoke arrives, take steps to protect your health from smoke at home and work. When air quality is at unhealthy… Read More

Presiding Judge Jim Rogers talks about a new project: Video Court Appearances for Superior Court 

King County Superior Court is exploring a new project: out-of-custody appearances via video. Not for everyone…but it could work for some. Learn more about where we are on this innovative idea. Listen now. 

Executive visits Dick Thurnau Memorial Park as part of Parks tour 

King County Executive Dow Constantine recently visited Dick Thurnau Memorial Park in White Center as part of his 100 miles in 100 days through King County Parks where he met with employees and checked out a new playground.  “Parks Specialist Christian Loko took me to the new playground our staff installed with funds generated by the King County Parks Levy,” Executive Constantine said. “We ended at the White Center Bicycle Playground, which provides kids a safe place to learn how to ride bicycle. It is the first playground of its kind in the nation.”  The parks… Read More