Black History Month 2024 Proclamation
Black History Month, established in 1926, is celebrated every February in recognition of achievements by Black Americans and all people of African descent in the United States. The 2024 Black History Month theme is “African Americans and the Arts” and King County Executive Dow Constantine’s proclamation calls on all residents to actively engage in events, discussions, and reflections that honor the immense contributions of African Americans to our community and our nation. Read the full proclamation below.
Learning & Development: 2023 accomplishments and what’s new for 2024
This past year the Learning & Development (L&D) team in the Department of Human Resources worked hard to continue building out the portfolio of educational opportunities to serve the different needs, interests, and goals of the King County workforce. Over the course of 2023 the L&D team hosted 53 workshops with a total of 1,864 attendees. In addition to spending a large portion of the year facilitating workshops, two new workshops were launched (Leading for Well-being, Building High Trust Cultures), as well as a beta of the new Leader Learning Labs, and… Read More
Shared learning towards a racially just King County
In 2023, more than 70% of King County employees took the We Are Racially Just training, a wonderful achievement for a course that was only launched in August. At King County, we aim to reach our True North – to create a welcoming community where every person can thrive. To achieve this, we must be racially just and actively work toward dismantling racist systems, practices, and approaches. The training is one of the ways King County has worked toward this goal. We are racially just is a core value of King County… Read More
Make your nominations for Executive’s Best-Run Government Awards
The nomination period for the Executive’s Best-Run Government Awards is now open through Feb. 16. The annual awards, formerly known as the Performance Excellence Awards, honor Executive Branch employees and teams for their exceptional contributions in leadership, innovation, and Lean maturity. There are three award categories: Any King County employee can nominate a team or individual for an Innovation or Leadership Excellence Award. You may review the nomination criteria here. We look forward to seeing your nominations and celebrating the many great achievements from 2023.
Stay informed in inclement weather
Getting timely, accurate information in an emergency or inclement weather event is critical. Make sure you’re getting the latest King County information on how you are affected, at work and at home: Power outages: If you are teleworking and experience a power outage that affects your ability to effectively work remotely, please contact your supervisor to discuss other options for completing work tasks. These may include taking leave or working from your regular King County worksite. HR Policies: When an agency remains open, but conditions prevent you from reporting to work or from… Read More
Get to know the Walking Bus program
King County’s employee “Walking Bus” pilot program now offers five afternoon departures times. In this pilot phase, employees can join their colleagues and a Facilities Management Division (FMD) Security Escort each weekday evening walking from the Third Avenue entrance of the King County Courthouse to the King Street Station and Colman Dock via a stop at the Pioneer Square light rail station entrance at Jefferson Street and Yesler Way. The meeting location for both routes is the Information Desk in the First Floor lobby of the courthouse. Get more information on routes and departure times. View… Read More
Stories and information for King County employees: DHR’s top stories and videos of 2023
Storytelling is a powerful way to share knowledge, transcend differences, and connect people. The Department of Human Resources (DHR) county-wide Employee Newsletter is bursting with content about employee benefits and accomplishments, learning and advancement opportunities, public health and community services, and other important news that helps employees stay informed. In 2023, in addition to sharing important internal announcements and news, we also told stories about what makes up King County – you. These stories included how the Employee Giving Program allows us to support multiple causes and be better together, how County… Read More
Preparing for extreme weather with the Roads Maintenance crew
Snow and ice are common in Western Washington during the winter months and the King County Roads Maintenance Section of Local Services has been busily getting ready and preparing for the extreme winter weather season. This fall, the Roads Maintenance Section conducted its annual Snow and Ice Day. Maintenance employees in work units located across the county gathered for a day of training, equipment testing, and team building. The day consisted of training sessions on the proper techniques for attaching and operating plows, guidance on selecting chains and effective installation, proper anti-icer… Read More
Save 100% on specialty medications with PrudentRx
As announced during Open Enrollment, beginning Jan. 1, 2024, CVS Caremark will offer the PrudentRx specialty drug copay program to employees and their covered family members enrolled in a Regence BlueShield medical plan (King Care PPO or KingCare Select). PrudentRx participants pay nothing out-of-pocket for their eligible specialty drugs. Employees and covered family members who use a specialty medication that’s covered under the program should have received a letter through the U.S. mail from PrudentRx in early December. The letter contains information about the program and provides instructions to help you enroll. Please be… Read More
Facility tour looks at ways to enhance safety and security
Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams joined a group of employees and labor representatives on a tour of the King County Courthouse and its surroundings to review ideas for improving access to the courthouse while maintaining security at the building. The tour, led by Facilities Management Division Deputy Director of Operations Drew Zimmerman, was part of efforts to create safe, more welcoming environments around King County facilities in downtown Seattle and across the county. The group discussed options for improving access to the Courthouse after hours, especially in the darker, winter months, improving… Read More
Employee News 