Records Management reminder: Make good records in the first place

A significant part of records management is what records we decide to create in the first place. Making good records to begin with is essential; we will have less bulk to manage, and those records will be easier to locate over time. Some general tips include: Avoid sending unnecessary emails (use Teams chat or phone calls for messages that do not need to be documented) Avoiding saving unnecessary copies (use links or shortcuts to existing records, rather than saving your own copies) Use descriptive titles and naming conventions (avoid vague and general words) Where possible, ensure the… Read More

Weigh in on Metro’s final draft of our ADA Transition Plan

Crossposted from Metro Matters We invite you to comment on the final draft of our Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan by Jan. 10. Mobility is a route to opportunity, connecting people to their jobs, schools, services, and other important places. People with disabilities face many barriers as they try to get around King County. For example, we know that a higher percentage of people with disabilities rely on public transit for commuting compared to others. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable and equitable public transportation to everyone. That is why,… Read More

Eligible PERS 2 members can switch to PERS 3 in January

Each January, certain members of Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2 have the opportunity to make a permanent transfer to PERS Plan 3. If you are an active PERS Plan 2 member who began service before Sept. 1, 2002, and you will earn service credit in January, you are eligible to transfer to Plan 3. Use the resources on the Department of Retirement Systems website to help you decide if transferring to Plan 3 is right for you. To transfer from Plan 2 to Plan 3, complete a Member Transfer form and return it by… Read More

Join the King County Deferred Compensation Plan Board

Are you a King County employee interested in financial planning or investing and are eager to learn more? Looking for a chance to grow your leadership skills while supporting your fellow King County employees? Consider joining the King County Deferred Compensation Plan Board! The Deferred Compensation Plan helps employees save for retirement through automatic pre-tax and post-tax contributions. It is governed by a nine-member board that is seeking three new members: Two current King County employees and one King County retiree. As a board member, you will: Spend approximately three hours per month in… Read More

Behind the scenes at the CCFJC’s Alternatives to Secure Detention

Crossposted from the DAJD newsletter If you’ve ever visited the Juvenile Division at the Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center (CCFJC), you’ve probably overheard the many phone calls made by Alternatives to Secure Detention (ASD) staff, reminding youth on Electronic Home Monitoring about upcoming court dates and the need to charge their ankle bracelets. However, ASD’s role stems far beyond just these friendly reminders. It is a complex system that requires an enormous amount of attention to detail, a deep understanding of the juvenile court system, a ton of patience… Read More

Dr. Gene Mueller retires after 12 years at Regional Animal Services of King County

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC Dr. Gene Mueller, manager of Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC), is retiring after 12 years at the helm. His retirement was Dec. 6, 2024. “Regional Animal Services wouldn’t be the model of caring, compassionate animal care it is today without Gene’s leadership,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “As he heads into a well-deserved retirement, Gene leaves RASKC in great shape for the future.” “I’d like to thank Executive Constantine, our staff and volunteers, and our whole community for trusting me to lead RASKC for… Read More

King County expands Mobile Crisis Teams for adults to reach more people, faster  

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections King County marked a new milestone recently in our progress to make sure community members receive timely and effective behavioral health care in a mental health or substance use crisis. On Dec. 2, the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division (BHRD) launched its new mobile rapid-response crisis teams for adults, adding 10 new teams in the field, plus new services and providers to the program. “We’re building a robust crisis system where everyone has access to the care they need, when and where they need it — reducing hospital… Read More

King County Metro has second-fastest rider increase in U.S.

Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Metro has the second-largest rider increase in the country. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) announced the results in its “Transit Wrapped 2024” report. Among the nation’s large transit agencies—those with 50 million or more annual trips, Metro ranked second in the percentage ridership increase over the past year. “We’ve been proud to lead the way nationally and to make transit the best way to travel our beautiful region,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “In 2024, Metro added roughly 3,700 weekly bus trips, launched the… Read More

2025 MLK Jr. calendars now available to order

The 2025 MLK Jr. calendar, designed by artist Barbara Earl Thomas, is now available for King County employees to order. All orders will need to be submitted via the order form by Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. Listed below are the guidelines for submitting orders: Only one order per section is allowed. Please identify one person in your section/department to coordinate and submit your order. Minimum order is 50 calendars and increased in increments of 50 (50, 100, 150, 200, etc.). We will not be accepting individual orders and you will need to coordinate with your… Read More

Ready to help: Department of Local Services prioritizing storm-damage property applications

Crossposted from King County Local King County recognizes the toll the recent storm took on many in the unincorporated areas, including those who suffered property damage. The Department of Local Services wants to help unincorporated King County residents whose properties were affected by quickly processing their damage repair permits. Our Permitting Division asks property owner’s to apply for a damage assessment inspection online once an owner’s property has been secured to prevent unauthorized entry. Inspection staff will then conduct a damage assessment inspection, report on findings, and direct the property owner on additional permitting… Read More