New King County Metro bus operators to benefit from improved training

Crossposted from Metro Matters Recruiting and training new bus operators allows our region’s transit network to continue to grow. On June 21, King County Metro celebrated the graduation of 54 part-time operators to full-time status. June also marked Metro’s highest number of full-time operators since 2021, although we still need to add many more to meet the high demand for transit service in the coming years. In addition, we recently began training our first class of external candidates seeking to become full-time bus operators. Metro has historically hired part-time operators who can… Read More

Administrative professional recognitions now available for January through June 2024

The Administrative Professionals Program is excited to announce the Administrative Professional Recognitions for the first and second quarter of 2024, from January through June. These 27 individuals have been recognized for their excellence as administrative professionals at King County. View the recognitions here. The list includes: Allison Pierce, Amanda Knell, Amiee McCrea, Angela Simmons, Audrey Johnson, Betty Jimerson, Channy Koing, Chris Stein, David Matsumoto, Dorcas Olegario, Elaine Edwards, Jennifer Blackstone, Judi Hendrickson, Julie Chung, Katerina (Katie) Kovalchuk, Kelly Uyehara, Krystal Heflin, Lauren Bagby, Linda Eaves, Marla Erickson, Marni Donnely, Maureen Dahlstrom, Renee Jacklin-Pool, Roger… Read More

Deputy Hodge embodies the Mariners Way

The King County Sheriff’s Office was delighted to witness Deputy Marty Hodge being publicly recognized at a recent Mariners game with his name illuminated on the big screen. Deputy Hodge dedicated 21 years to service in the United States Army as a Master Sergeant in special forces, notably contributing to the first Iraq war and operation Enduring Freedom. Following his military tenure, Deputy Hodge transitioned to a role at the King County Sheriff’s Office, where he has diligently served as a deputy for the past 22 years. Deputy Hodge initially commenced off-duty… Read More

Vote by Aug. 6 and wear your I Voted sticker with pride

Tuesday, Aug. 6 is Election Day for the August Primary. This is your opportunity to help your favorite candidate make it to the General Election. The best way to return your ballot this close to Election Day is by using an official ballot drop box. Drop boxes close at 8 p.m. on Aug. 6 so don’t delay, return your ballot today. King County Elections will also have Vote Centers open this weekend for those who still need to register to vote, get a replacement ballot, or use an accessible voting device. After you’ve voted,… Read More

Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month, May-June 2024

Crossposted from Metro Matters They read, travel, garden and work around their homes. They are bike riders—both motor and stationary. They enjoy making jams and jellies. They are even former clog dancers! They are operators with two centuries of driving experience. The operators on your bus are as unique as you, and all of them love driving and giving back to their community. Read more.

Coming this fall: New RapidRide G Line and more Metro bus service

Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Metro is increasing transit service this fall, including adding over 3,700 new bus trips each week, launching the RapidRide G Line in Seattle, connecting buses to new Sound Transit light rail stations, and expanding Metro Flex to Northshore. Starting Sept. 14, King County Metro is expanding evening and weekend transit service, and launching its eighth RapidRide – the G Line – which will provide fast and frequent service through downtown Seattle, First Hill, Capitol Hill, the Central District, and Madison Valley. Read more.

Employee discounts available for Washington State Fair

Employees can save on tickets to the 2024 Washington State Fair, Aug. 30 – Sept. 22. To purchase your discount tickets: Visit thefair.com/corporate Click the “Buy Tickets” button Enter access password: king24 Under “Corporate Perks – 2024” click “Buy Tickets” for Admission & Ride deals. Get full details here. See all available employee discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.

Meet King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban

Crossposted from King County Local Eric Urban isn’t new when it comes to fire safety in the Puget Sound area, but he is relishing (and keeping busy) in his new role as King County Fire Marshal. Eric was appointed to the position earlier this year, following Chris Ricketts’ retirement. Eric’s appointment came after he served more than a year as Deputy Fire Marshal for King County. Read more.

Deadline to complete dependent eligibility verification extended to Aug. 12

To ensure that all employees have the opportunity to complete the dependent eligibility verification process so that their family members can continue their coverage on their King County medical, dental, or vision plan, the deadline has been extended to Aug. 12, 2024. If you haven’t completed the process, please use this two-week grace period to verify the eligibility of each person enrolled to make sure they do not lose coverage on Sept. 30, 2024. If you have coverage questions, please contact King County Benefits. Using the Audit ID sent to you by Mercer,… Read More

King County launches first extreme heat strategy to prepare region for more intense heat waves caused by climate change

King County and local partners recently announced a new countywide strategy to prepare for and respond to the impacts of extreme heat. Development of the Extreme Heat Mitigation Strategy began two years ago following the unprecedented heat wave in 2021 that killed over 30 people in King County, marking the deadliest climate-related disaster in the region’s history. The strategy includes 20 immediate and long-term actions that range from increasing urban tree canopy and expanding access to parks and green space, to creating community cooling locations, making schools more resilient to heat, updating building codes… Read More