County Council condemns intolerance, supports religious freedom
They are your co-workers, friends and neighbors. They serve in the military, are in law enforcement and work in King County government. They are Muslims, a faith with over 1-billion worshipers, and they are increasingly under attack. Responding to the growing acts of religious intolerance not only in King County, but around the world, the Metropolitan King County Council condemned acts of violence against those exercising their constitutionally protected right to worship. The proclamation recognizes the killing of 50 worshipers inside two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand on March 15 by a… Read More
Behind the Robe: Chief Criminal Judge Sean O’Donnell
Crossposted from Superior Court’s podcast series. Not only is he the tallest judge in Washington, he used to be a speech writer at Boeing. Now he presides over the busiest courtroom in Washington State. Every day, sometimes every five minutes, he makes custody and release decisions that impact defendants and our community. Judge Sean O’Donnell’s story.
Pet of the Week: Kona
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC Kona is a 3 ½ year-old, female, black and white, domestic shorthair cat (A527477). Her personality color is RED, meaning she is fun-loving and very spirited! Kona’s previous family described her as adventurous and playful. She may need a little time to warm up to new people, but once she does she is a big sweetheart! Read more from Tails from RASKC
Training Spotlight: Grammar Refresh and Lominger Competency and Skill Assessment
Grammar Refresh, April 10: Confused about grammar and punctuation? This fun, hands-on class will help you master the latest rules, avoid common errors, and write with confidence. We’ll cover apostrophes, verb tense, word usage, subject/verb agreement, commas/semicolons, style guides, how to avoid the 10 most common grammar and punctuation mistakes, and more. Register and learn more. Lominger Competency and Skill Assessment, July 17: During this class, you will have the opportunity to evaluate your professional skills and generate a list of self-identified competencies that reflect your towering strengths and challenges. Next, based upon the next job… Read More
New King County enhanced shelter opens at West Wing
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the opening of a 40-bed men’s shelter in a former work-release space at the King County Correctional Facility in downtown Seattle. The facility renovation, which took place after King County held a series of focus groups with advocates and those who have experienced homelessness, cost $2 million. It included upgrades to facility internal systems, new sinks and other plumbing fixtures, new fiber optic cables, paint, laundry, and other improvements, including removing security signage and infrastructure. DESC will provide services, including behavioral health treatment, housing counseling and… Read More
Roads uses survey data to launch Roads Career Academy
King County uses its employee survey results to act on what employees have to say through a process called action planning. See how the Roads Services Division used its 2017 Employee Survey data to act on a theme that consistently came up among its employees: career development.
Thanks to you, Employee Survey hits new heights
King County hit its highest response rate ever in this 2019 employee engagement survey and is narrowing in on its goal of 70%. As of today, the countywide response rate is 69%, an increase of 2% over 2017 and an increase of 10% since the first annual survey in 2015. All of the paper surveys will be counted and final response rates will be available next week when contest winners will be announced. Survey reports will be available the week of May 13. King County Executive Dow Constantine will communicate countywide results… Read More
Local Services hires Service Partnerships manager
One thing that’s different about King County’s new Department of Local Services is the Service Partnership Agreements it’s making with other King County agencies. The agreements will allow Local Services to serve as a “one-stop shop,” helping residents and businesses in unincorporated areas connect with county services while also gathering information about those services. On March 25, Jesse Kent joined the department as its Service Partnership Agreement Manager. He’ll oversee this part of the new department’s approach, managing working relationships with other King County departments and looking at the data they collect… Read More
Executive Services uses All Hands to discuss values and priorities
Department of Executive Services (DES) employees got together last week to welcome new colleagues and learn more about King County’s priority initiatives at their sixth annual All-Hands Meetings. The All-Hands Meeting, held across a morning and afternoon session to facilitate as much participation as possible, was hosted at the Seattle Central Library’s auditorium in downtown Seattle. DES Director Caroline Whalen kicked off each session by welcoming members from the Fleet and Airport Divisions, who officially joined DES in January. Employees spent some time learning about some of King County Executive Dow Constantine’s… Read More
One man’s courage keeps passengers safe from harm
Dear fellow King County employee, Last week one of our own employees was injured in the line of duty, a victim of a senseless act of gun violence. Eric Stark, a seven-year Metro Transit employee and member of the Amalgamated Transit Union, demonstrated extraordinary heroism when, after having been shot, he steered his Metro coach and passengers away from the shooter to safety. His quick thinking prevented further injuries and likely saved lives. Eric’s courage and selfless commitment to his passengers is remarkable and inspiring, and I know you join me in… Read More
Employee News 