Pre-register for upcoming onsite King County flu and COVID-19 clinics
Getting your updated flu and COVID-19 shots is an important part of protecting your health, your family’s health, and your community’s health. Each year, King County’s Balanced You arranges onsite flu and COVID-19 shot clinics for employees who work onsite. You will need to pre-register for the onsite clinics. You are welcome to walk-in, but you will still need to register to receive shots, so please do so prior to the clinics. The following are upcoming onsite clinics: Atlantic/Central Bus Base, Classroom C, 1500 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, Monday, Sept. 23,… Read More
Now Recruiting 2024 Employee Giving Program Ambassadors
Bring a little inspiration to your day and build connection with your team by signing up to be an Ambassador. The Employee Giving Program is now recruiting King County Employees to serve as an Ambassadors for this year’s Annual Giving Drive to their work groups/sites. As an Ambassador, you are the heart and soul of our Employee Giving Program team. We can NOT run this program and support so many great causes without you. Last year that resulted in $2.29 million! You are the key to making sure that every King County… Read More
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) guidelines for King County employees
King County’s new guidelines set expectations for the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in the workplace. These guidelines were developed collaboratively by KCIT and OERSJ, according to state and national standards. GenAI systems create new content such as text, audio, images, and video by learning patterns and relationships within vast data sets. Although this exciting new technology can enable tremendous efficiencies, it is essential King County employees use GenAI responsibly. The guidelines are designed to reduce bias and protect sensitive personal data the public has entrusted to us. Key points include: All employees should read the GenAI guidelines Employees may… Read More
Leesa Manion: Breaking barriers as King County’s trailblazing prosecutor
Leesa Manion made history as the first Korean American woman and person of color to serve as King County Prosecutor. From her roots in Kentucky to leading one of King County’s largest law firms, she’s breaking barriers and inspiring future leaders to “dream big.” Read more. More about the American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika Affinity Group The next American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika (AANHP) virtual gathering will take place Friday, Sept. 20, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. If you are interested in attending the online event or getting connected to the AANHP… Read More
Executive Constantine proclaims 2024 Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
Latinx Heritage Month is celebrated every year from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed this time as Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month in King County. This month recognizes the anniversary of 1821 independence declarations in five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile, and Belize also celebrate their independence on Sept. 16, Sept. 18, and Sept. 21, respectively. “The cultural, educational, economic, and political influences of Latinx residents can be appreciated in all aspects of life,” he said. “I urge all… Read More
King County ranked in the top 20 in the U.S. for equitable ARPA spending
By Michael Jacobson, Deputy Director, Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget A new multiyear study conducted by the Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy (the Institute) at The New School identified King County as a national leader in investing federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 to advance equity. King County scored in the top 20 of 170 U.S. cities and counties evaluated by the Institute’s Budget Equity Project, which examined how local governments across the U.S. are investing flexible recovery funds from ARPA to support racial… Read More
Matt Sanders Appointed Interim Director for the King County Department of Public Defense
Last week, DPD Director Anita Khandelwal tendered her resignation to Executive Constantine, effective October 4. Matt Sanders, who has led DPD’s Associated Counsel for the Accused, (ACA), Division as its Managing Attorney for the last two years. He was appointed to serve as Interim Director while the Executive’s Office conducts a national recruitment for a permanent Director of the Department of Public Defense. “I am energized by the opportunity to work with each of you in this new role and to continue the outstanding work we do every day,” Sanders said… Read More
Five things our interns taught us this summer
Every summer, the Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget (PSB) invites a group of bright, eager students to spend 10-12 weeks with us as part of our public service internship program. These PSB interns gain hands-on experience, participate in professional development opportunities, and get a real chance to make an impact in their communities. In return, they bring fresh perspectives that help us see our work through a new lens. This summer was no different. Here are the top five things they taught us: 1. Enthusiasm is contagious (and necessary) There’s nothing… Read More
New RapidRide G Line celebrates start of service, Sept. 14
Employees are invited to celebrate the official start of the G Line service on Sept. 14. This is a community event that will have informational booths, entertainment, food, and a G-Line five-door bus on display. Attendees will also be able to enjoy refreshments, grab some swag, shop at local businesses, and sign up for an ORCA card. Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The celebration will be held on 19th Ave. between E. Pine and E. Madison St. This location carries the honorary designation of “Rev. Dr. S. McKinney Ave.,”… Read More
New report release: “Early Learning Facilities: Investing in Spaces Where Children can Thrive”
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections The Early Learning Facilities investment that funds improvements to family- and center-based child care facilities, released a report highlighting 2023 accomplishments. Read that report here! The investment from King County’s Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account (PSTAA) directs Sound Transit 3-related funds to be used to improve educational outcomes. Read more.
Employee News 