Training Spotlight: Basic Data Visualization
Basic Data Visualization: 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 Mock up data visualizations in whiteboard exercises, using tips explored in class Participants have the option of bringing their own measures to the training to review in small teams. Examples throughout the class will focus on performance measurement, although… Read More
Say CHEESE for #CityHallSelfie Day!
Show your King County pride by taking part in national City Hall Selfie Day! This annual event, sponsored by Engaging Local Government Leaders, is an opportunity to showcase the people who make local and regional government work. To participate, just take a photo of yourself or your workgroup in front of any King County facility (make sure we can tell where you are) and send the photo, including the names of everyone in the photo, to socialmedia@kingcounty.gov by noon, Aug. 14. We’ll share your photos on King County social media channels on… Read More
A new front for public defense: Helping clients address collateral consequences of criminal involvement
Crossposted from For the Defense By Leslie Brown, King County Department of Public Defense It’s not what public defenders normally do: Stop an eviction. Keep a kid in school. Help someone hang on to a job. But thanks to a pilot project funded by the City of Seattle, three lawyers for the King County Department of Public Defense are working every day on just these kinds of matters: They’re representing public defense clients who are facing the civil consequences of a criminal conviction or arrest – the often unseen upshot of criminal justice… Read More
Food, games, music and more now at City Hall Park
In an effort to create a welcoming space neighbors and nearby employees can enjoy, City Hall Park, next to the Courthouse Building, will be full of games, music, outdoor furniture and a food truck through the end of September. Evaluation of this pilot program in the park will occur in the fall and continuation thereafter will be determined. Programs and daily activities in the park are always weather dependent. Food trucks will operate daily, Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., and be sure to check the schedule to see who is… Read More
Water Taxi offering extended evening sailings for Pearl Jam concerts tonight and Friday
Crossposted from Captain’s Blog King County Water Taxi will offer extended evening sailings on the West Seattle route during the Pearl Jam concerts today and Friday, Aug. 10, in Seattle. We typically offer extended evening service for evening Mariners, Seahawks and Sounders FC home games during our summer schedule. However, given the number of West Seattle riders who are expected to attend the Pearl Jam concerts, our standing principles to alleviate traffic congestion to support mobility for our residents warrants providing this additional service offering. In addition to the regular sailings, King County Water Taxi… Read More
King County launches SoundGuardian to join emergency Puget Sound orca recovery effort
On the morning of Aug. 5, King County’s research vessel, SoundGuardian, departed its Seattle homeport on its way to northern Puget Sound to take part in an emergency effort to save ailing members of the endangered resident orca population. “Orcas are the Salish Sea’s most iconic residents, and we all share the responsibility of protecting these beloved animals,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “We are doing whatever we can to help the orca now, and fulfill long-term goals to improve the health of local waterways and the Salish Sea.” Operating with… Read More
Metro earns top award – best in North America
In a message to Metro’s employees, General Manager Rob Gannon shared the fantastic news that the American Public Transportation Association has recognized King County Metro as Outstanding Public Transportation System of the Year! Dear Metro colleagues, I have wonderful news to share with you: Metro has been named Outstanding Public Transportation System of the year—the best among the largest transit agencies in North America. All of you—our 4,800 employees—earned this honor through your hard work, exceptional customer service, and innovations in service and technology. I am immensely proud to be part of… Read More
Trauma-informed fitness leads to skill building for youth
Crossposted from Zero Youth Detention “Our job is to listen.” That is how Upower coaches describe their role in offering fitness classes at the King County Juvenile Detention Center. Upower offers trauma-informed fitness and wellness classes at no cost to underserved teens in King County. Their classes are fun, safe and open to all fitness levels. Upower’s sensitive approach to trauma-informed fitness means that they advocate for physical fitness and social-emotional well-being for every teen served. Upower coaches get teens moving through activities such as cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, flexibility and fun fitness games. Equally… Read More
Now recruiting Ambassador teams
Crossposted from Employee Giving Program By Junelle Kroontje Build your resume AND make a difference? Yes, you can have it all. Join our rock star Ambassador team for our 30th Anniversary year! Ambassadors are the most important element of our Employee Giving Program team. You will be the key to making sure that every King County employee has a quality opportunity to support a cause they care about through the program; literally bringing transformative moments of meaning to your colleagues. You get to: Meet new people, Advocate for your favorite cause, and… Read More
King County represents at Reebok RAGNAR Northwest Passage ‘200-ish’ mile relay
By Al Dams, Chief Deputy Assessor The King County Bureaufasts completed their third Ragnar Relay this month, coming in fifth place overall in the Corporate Division. The 200-mile relay race is always a test of determination for your King County runners, but this year proved to be even tougher than usual as the team faced very hot temperatures, an injury during the race, and other challenges. Nonetheless, the Bureaufasts endured and still managed a respectable time and a good number of “road kills” for passing other teams on the course that winds… Read More
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