Turning passion for people into opportunities
By Katelin Gladney, Customer Service Intern Take a walk around King County and you’ll see how residents’ experiences can vary wildly. Some are doing well and benefitting from the strong, tech-fueled economy. But far too many are struggling to even keep a roof over their heads. Finding ways to help those struggling is the mission of King County employee Andréa Akita, Director of Communities of Opportunity (COO). King County partnered with the Seattle Foundation a local philanthropic organization, to create the initiative aimed at providing equity and social justice to all communities… Read More
Advice for working in smoky air
You have probably noticed the smoky air in our region. Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, the agency that oversees outdoor air quality, is reporting air quality levels as UNHEALTHY for everyone possibly through much of this week. Their latest press release includes more information about what to expect. Wildfire smoke can cause a range of health problems, including chest pain, coughing, fast heartbeat, headaches, and asthma attacks. With our current unhealthy air conditions, it’s recommended that you limit your time outdoors. If you are concerned about doing field work in these conditions, please talk with… Read More
Enhancements to Employee Engagement Survey
No survey in fall of 2018. Next Survey will be spring of 2019. Annual administration of the Employee Engagement Survey is moving from fall to spring. This and other improvements are being made in response to your feedback. Employee Engagement Manager Brooke Bascom and Senior Performance Strategy Analyst Vince Vu are the team hard at work enhancing the survey and improving efforts to respond to the data. “We’re constantly seeking feedback about efforts to improve engagement,” said Bascom, who pointed to some consistent themes: The survey is too long. Spring would be… Read More
Lift Every Youth graduation: Each one, teach one
Last week, we shared how our Lift Every Youth Employment & Mentorship Program is helping to break down barriers to well-paying jobs and career success for young people through an innovative internship and mentorship program that intentionally prioritizes young people with the greatest needs in Internship program breaks barriers for young people most affected by inequities. This year’s program participants graduated last week, and marked the occasion with a graduation event with King County Executive Dow Constantine at the Dexter Horton Building. “Over the last two years, Lift Every Youth has been… Read More
King County uses ACS data to help older Americans with housing affordability
King County uses the American Community Survey data in many ways to support our residents. The following story from King County Assessor John Wilson was featured in the ACS User Data group; which includes users from cities and counties around the nation. This story was put together by the assessor’s office, the Executive Office, and Public Health staff; including Chandler Felt and Susan Kinne. When I became King County Assessor in 2016, real estate values had been jumping at a double-digit pace annually and housing affordability was headed towards a crisis level—especially… Read More
2018 Equity & Social Justice Speaker Series
You are invited! The 2018 Equity & Social Justice Speaker Series invites you to a Lunch & Learn Tuesday, Aug. 28, noon to 1 p.m. in room 123 of the Chinook Building. This session features The Anti-Defamation League, with a presentation by Hillary Bernstein and Miri Cypers (Director), and is brought to you by KC Equity Fund and KCIT ESJ: Learning, Advocating, Cultivating.
Equity from birth: Why community-based support is crucial
Crossposted from Best Starts for Kids Blog Via The Giving Compass – Original contribution by Brenda Blasingame, M.A., Executive Director at HealthConnect One and Dila K Perera, MSW MPH, Executive Director at Open Arms Perinatal Services In communities across King County, parent peer support programs are building networks of resources and social supports for caregivers. Best Starts seeks to strengthen and expand these programs by partnering with community organizations that serve expecting parents, families, and caregivers, and who have expertise in providing maternal-child health and prenatal and perinatal peer support direct services. If this describes your work, stay tuned to the… Read More
Learn more about Metro’s Shared Employer Shuttle program
Crossposted from Metro Matters By Scott Gutierrez Have you heard about Metro’s “Shared Employer Shuttle” program? On Aug. 15, employers who are interested can learn more during an informational meeting at Metro’s main office. Metro launched the program earlier this year to work with groups of employers interested in sharing transportation services for their workers. This represents a great opportunity for employers to improve the coverage or frequency of their transportation services, lower the cost of providing service, and help improve regional mobilty. Read more. Interested groups of employers need to submit… Read More
Employee Discount: Seattle Symphony
King County employees can receive 15 percent off most Seattle Symphony concerts this year by using Discount Code CONDUCTOR19. The first offer this season is for 15 percent off the Nine Piano Concerto Concerts happening throughout the year. The promo code Conductor19 will also work on the National Geographic Live presentations, which begin Oct. 23 with Social By Nature. To order tickets: Order online: www.seattlesymphony.org Enter your Promo Discount Code, CONDUCTOR19 prior to selecting your seats. Order by phone: Call and order by phone. 206-215-4747 or 1-866-833-4747 and give the operator your Promo Code. Order in person: Purchase… Read More
Weed of the Month: Brazilian Elodea
Crossposted from Noxious Weeds Blog Have you visited a lake or river to swim on one of these hot summer days, only to find the water thick with submerged plants? Some of those aquatic plants are natives, but others are nasty invasive species that can quickly dominate a waterbody. One of King County’s peskiest submerged invasives is Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa), a regulated Class B noxious weed. Originally from parts of South America (including Brazil), Brazilian elodea was introduced to the U.S. as an aquarium plant. When people dumped their aquariums into… Read More
Employee News 