How King County is reducing waste generated by building demolition and creating more equitable access to green jobs
A new training program offered by King County is helping the local construction industry transition from demolition to deconstruction, a modern approach that dramatically decreases the amount a material the ends up in the regional landfill while creating more equitable access to green jobs. Unlike traditional demolition that relies on heavy machinery to turn buildings into piles of mixed debris, deconstruction carefully dismantles structures so materials can be salvaged and put back into the economy or, in some cases, completely rebuilt or relocated. The approach taught by King County can reduce the… Read More
Committed to public service: Honoring the Ruth Woo Emerging Leaders Fellows
Crossposted from Metro Matters Join us in celebrating King County Metro’s Pauline Estrella, recently honored by the King County Council as one of several prestigious Ruth Woo Fellows. Estrella worked with Metro staff on World Cup transportation planning and other efforts during her 2023-2024 fellowship. Their dedication throughout this fellowship exemplifies a commitment to public service and advocacy for underserved communities. Diversity in leadership Civic leader Ruth Woo recruited diverse leaders to serve in local government. King County’s Ruth Woo Fellowship continues to recruit the leaders of tomorrow. Read more.
Executive Constantine announces proposal to preserve the county’s public health clinics, further sustain Harborview Medical Center’s operations and maintenance
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced on Sept. 19 a proposal to preserve and fund the county’s public health clinics and further maintain operations and maintenance for the county hospital, Harborview Medical Center. The proposal is part of Executive Constantine’s 2025 budget and, if approved by the King County Council, would utilize a modified county hospital property tax authority approved by the state Legislature earlier this year. The proposal would levy an 8.5 cent tax that would raise $74.6 million for the 2025 budget, eliminating the need for public health clinic services to be… Read More
Executive Constantine announces his 2025 budget proposal, highlighting key investments in housing, health, safety, transportation, climate, and the environment
King County Executive Dow Constantine yesterday announced his 2025 budget proposal totaling $10.2 billion. The budget prioritizes key investments in housing, health, safety, transportation, climate action, and the environment, and demonstrates a commitment to making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. The budget proposal is a road map to King County’s vision and values based on transforming the way government operates, solving problems effectively and efficiently, with equity and accountability, to best deliver services to all residents. “This 2025 budget reflects King County’s commitment to creating innovative solutions… Read More
Airport fire trucks get cleaned of “forever chemicals”
Crossposted from the DES Express In a partnership with the Port of Seattle, King County International Airport’s fire engines are being cleaned of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroakyl substances, found in firefighting foam. These chemicals stick around for a long time, possibly thousands of years, and can build up in the environment and people’s bodies, causing harmful effects. Among the health effects are developmental problems, immune system issues, and links to certain cancers. PFAS are man-made chemicals used in things like non-stick cookware and fire-retardant materials. The presence of PFAS is pervasive in… Read More
EAP or MLE: Which program is right for you?
During Suicide Prevention, take a moment to learn more about MLE and EAP and when and how to contact them. EAP and MLE are both comprehensive programs and services to help King County employees to be healthy and safe. But which one is right for you? Watch this video to learn more about each program and, when and how to contact each.
Leslie Harper-Miles to retire after nearly 40 years of service
Crossposted from the DES Express At the heart of King County’s Harborview Bond Program stands a resilient woman who will retire at the end of September with nearly 40 years of public service. Leslie Harper-Miles’ career is a testament to the power of perseverance, advocacy, and the relentless pursuit of equity and social justice in a world that can often resist it. A native of Seattle, Leslie has lifelong family and community ties to the Pacific Northwest. Her public service career started in 1986 in the Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget,… Read More
Amber Green Named Deputy Director for King County Department of Community and Human Services
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections This week, Kelly Rider, Department Director, appointed Amber Green as Deputy Director for King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS). Amber is a long-time employee at DCHS, and most recently served as Chief Administrative Officer. In March, Amber was named Acting Deputy Director, a role that hasn’t existed since 2021. Amber holds a wealth of expertise across the department, including emergency response, workforce and workplace strategies, and department level efforts on Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB). In 2000, Amber joined DCHS in an administrative position and… Read More
RASKC found homes for more than 400 pets in Clear the Shelters campaign
Crossposted from the DES Express More than 400 pets, including 105 adult and senior cats, 213 kittens, 84 adult dogs, 10 puppies and five small mammals, found their “furever” homes after Regional Animal Services wrapped up participation in the “Clear the Shelters” campaign last week. Clear The Shelters is a nationwide campaign to get more pets adopted into more homes. This is the 10th anniversary of the event, and the first time that RASKC is participating. “We’re always grateful to our pet-loving community for opening up their hearts and homes to these… Read More
Records Management Reminder: Records must be retained in their “native format”
State law requires that records be retained in their “native” format. This means that if they were created as an email, they need to be retained as an email (and not printed out). And if they were created on paper (like a piece of mail received from a customer), they need to be retained in paper format. The exception to this is the Destruction After Digitization (DAD) Process. This gives any county employee the authorization to re-format or scan a record to a new digital version. They can then retain the new version… Read More
Employee News 