Annual Giving Drive: Reasons five through seven to give
The Annual Giving Drive is in full swing so we want to share reasons five, six, and seven on why you should participate. October includes a variety of important national and global causes dedicated to raising awareness and support. Among many of them are World Mental Health Day, Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month, and Disability Employment Awareness Month. There are several organizations in the Employee Giving Program that are leading in these areas, and we’ve highlighted a few in our most recent blog. We look forward to sharing more about the amazing non-profits throughout the drive… Read More
What is KCInform?
It is critical that King County can reach employees during an emergency with timely information about infrastructure disruptions, facility closures, changes in business operations, and other critical impacts. That’s why King County launched KCInform, an alert and notification system for communicating with employees in emergencies. Watch this video find out more about KCInform and learn more in this article. King County will conduct a test of KCInform, on Thursday, Oct. 19 between 9 and 10 a.m.
Twice to the rescue: Water Taxi deckhand helps two people out of Elliott Bay in 24 hours
Crossposted from The Captain’s Blog When you work on vessels such as the King County Water Taxi, the training you get to assist people in possible distress in the water is training you hope never to use. Imagine using the training TWICE in 24 hours. For Water Taxi Deckhand Kelly Phillips, that’s exactly what happened this summer. “It was really surprising! I’ve worked on boats for 14 years, and I’ve never seen anyone fall off the docks like that.” Read more.
King County Sheriff’s Office welcomes new deputies
King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) recently welcomed the newest members to the team after completion of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA). To become a Sheriff’s deputy, you must complete 720 hours of BLEA training within six months of hire. The 720-hour BLEA is designed to provide recruit officers with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for safe, proper, and effective law enforcement service. King County’s Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams attended the graduating ceremony for the BLEA to recognize the newest King County graduates, including one she knows very well –… Read More
Stay home when you’re sick during cold and flu season
Last fall and winter, you may recall that it seemed like everyone got sick. And not just a little sick—many of us experienced or witnessed our family, co-workers, and friends flattened by illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) which all spread at the same time. Fortunately, this year, we have vaccines for all three of those major illnesses. We also have the tried-and-true precautions which still work to prevent getting sick. 5 ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness during cold and flu season: Get vaccinated…. Read More
My proposed one-year supplemental budget
Dear fellow King County employee, Today I transmitted to the County Council the mid-biennial budget proposal, which revises the County’s 2023-2024 budget that was adopted last fall. This is the first step in a two-month public process, leading to Council adoption in November of a final County budget. As I shared back in April, the county’s general fund is facing a significant shortfall due to the state’s arbitrary and outdated one percent limit on property tax collections – the largest source of revenue for the general fund. This cap, combined with rising inflation and increased costs,… Read More
Onsite flu shot clinics have opened
Getting a flu shot will help to protect you, your loved ones, and your work colleagues from getting sick with the flu this season. King County is hosting onsite flu clinics where employees can get vaccinated. Check out the video below to learn more about onsite flu clinics and register for an onsite flu shot here.
Sheriff’s Office is seeking Community Advisory Board Members
The King County Sheriff’s Office is seeking Community Advisory Board Members. The purpose of the Community Advisory Board is to gather a diverse set of public safety experts and advocates to support and advise Sheriff Patricia Cole-Tindall on creating a just, dynamic, and responsive public safety system. Board members will: Advise the King County Sheriff on policy concepts and implementation. Serve as the community voice on public safety and law enforcement issues. Create a forum for trust building between law enforcement and community. Meetings will be held every other month alternating between… Read More
2023 Nonprofit Expo series begins Oct. 11
In-person nonprofit expos are back! Join the Employee Giving Program to learn about some of the nonprofits engaged in the work you care about or discover something new. Expos will take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and are open to all King County employees. No RSVP necessary. Wednesday, Oct. 11: King County Chinook Building Rooms 121-123 Thursday, Oct. 12: King County Elections in Renton, Mt. Rainier Room Tuesday, Oct. 24: King County Courthouse in Seattle, Presiding Judge Courtroom E-942 (9th Floor) Each Nonprofit Expo will feature 15-25 nonprofits and give you the opportunity to learn about the… Read More
Metro’s Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year: Rich Polkinghorn
Crossposted from Metro Matters “Unwavering. A craftsman among skilled craftsmen. A bus-making machine. Best of the Best.” There was no shortage of accolades, affection and appreciation today as King County Executive Dow Constantine and Metro leaders announced Rich Polkinghorn is Metro’s 2023 Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year. Polkinghorn, an East Base mechanic since 2003, was cheered on by family and colleagues as he received the award at a surprise ceremony. Read more.
Employee News 