Supervisor Spotlight: Highlighting those behind the scenes who keep us moving
Crossposted from Metro Matters It takes a lot of people to keep a transit system running smoothly across 150 routes and over 300,000 boardings a day. Bus drivers are the most visible part of any transit system, but there are people behind the scenes who are just as vital in the day-to-day operation of King County Metro. Their responsibilities include training operators, planning the routes that run throughout the region, and literally being the “traffic controllers” who keep track of the buses on their daily runs. Read more.
Silvana Vasquez featured in newest “Latinas in Aviation” book
Crossposted from DES Express Silvana Vasquez, data analyst at King County International Airport and aspiring pilot, is featured in a new book, the fourth edition of “Latinas in Aviation.” Silvana attended the launch of the book in Maryland in September. “I feel so honored and so lucky that I am able to be part of this,” Vasquez said. “All the profit they make off the books go to scholarships for girls that want to become pilots.” Read more.
Celebrating 2024 National Disability Employment Awareness Month
In October, King County celebrates the contributions made by people with disabilities, and how disabilities, both visible and non-apparent, enhance our workforce, our communities, and our country. On Oct. 8, King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci honored the contributions of individuals with disabilities by proclaiming October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). A job is so much more than a paycheck. It enables a person to contribute to their community, fulfill their potential, and build meaningful connections with those around them. King County’s Supported Employment Program has been creating significant employment opportunities for those with… Read More
Update on today’s test of KCInform
Today King County conducted a test of KCInform, King County’s employee alert and warning system as part of the annual Great Washington ShakeOut drill to test earthquake preparedness. The test was an opportunity to practice using the system and identify potential improvements. As part of the test, we discovered that not all county employees received the test alerts. These gaps in the recipient list have now been identified and rectified. For more information about KCInform, please visit the KCInform website and watch this short video.
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Dear fellow King County employee, King County occupies the unceded ancestral lands of the Muckleshoot, Snoqualmie, Puyallup, Tulalip, and Suquamish Tribes, and those Coast Salish individuals who are not enrolled in a federally recognized tribe. It is home to a thriving Native American population from Tribal nations regionally, and across North America, whose rich traditions and ongoing achievements benefit all. Since 2022, we have officially recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an observed and paid holiday in King County on the second Monday in October, and on Oct. 14 we will show respect for… Read More
Nonprofits responding to recent hurricanes
When disasters happen, employees want to help. During the Annual Giving Drive we have all of our employee giving tools available to make it easier for employees to support disaster recovery and preparedness year-round. Relief and recovery efforts continue in the Southeast from Hurricane Helene and are beginning as the aftermath of Hurricane Milton is being assessed in Florida. Supporting disaster and emergency relief organizations provide critical services such as emergency shelter, food, medical care, and infrastructure repair to people in urgent need. Additionally, support not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term… Read More
Public Health employee receives national recognition
Tony Gomez, Manager of Violence and Injury Prevention in the Health Sciences Division of Public Health – Seattle & King County, received the Alex Kelter Vision Award at the national Safe States Alliance Annual Meeting. This award, the highest honor given by the SAFE States Alliance – the largest national non-profit dedicated to violence and injury prevention – recognizes Tony’s unparalleled contributions to public health in King County and Seattle. Over a distinguished 40-year career, Tony has been a pillar of strength and innovation, relentlessly pursuing equity and excellence to improve the health and well-being of the… Read More
King County partners with Minority Veterans of America to open first-in-the-nation transitional housing for LGBTQ+ veterans
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Earlier this week King County Executive Dow Constantine and Minority Veterans of America celebrated the opening of Q’mmunity House today, the first transitional home in the country for LGBTQ+ veterans. Q’mmunity House will provide on-site holistic case management, connections to the veteran-serving community, and a safe, affirming, and supportive home for LGBTQ+ veterans experiencing homelessness in King County. The program fosters long-term stability and community connection by addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ veterans who often experience higher rates of homelessness, discrimination, and other obstacles when accessing critical resources…. Read More
King County partners with Second Use to reduce waste – one door, lamp, or kitchen sink at a time
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green Whether you’re a DIY home repair expert, a vintage furniture aficionado, or just in the market for some lightly used plumbing fixtures, home reuse stores are an irreplaceable resource to find hidden gems at a reasonable price. They also give items ranging from lumber to lighting a second life, keeping valuable materials out of the landfill. This important waste reduction potential led King County’s Solid Waste Division to team up with Second Use, a local business that sells reclaimed building materials at locations in Seattle and Tacoma,… Read More
Celebrating employees who provide customer service
National Customer Service Week is Oct. 7-11 and an opportunity to recognize the hundreds of employees at King County who serve and support our customers every day. “We focus on the customer” is an Executive Branch core value. To standardize the customer service approach at King County, the Customer Service Playbook offers guidance and tips for employees who support customers, both internal and external. Providing exemplary customer service is what we aspire to at King County. It’s what we must do to make King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. Thanks to… Read More
Employee News 