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CHOMP! 2020 Online Celebration
CHOMP! Summer Camp is just around the corner with great virtual programming lined up. From August 24 to 28 you can tune in each evening to check out new content, including a potato zucchini fritter demo, a virtual farm tour at Dandelion Fuzzies Minifarm, how to make a flute out of a carrot, gardening tips from Viva Farms and much more! Now in its sixth year, CHOMP! celebrates all that is fresh, delicious, local and sustainable in King County. The event supports King County Executive Dow Constantine’s Local Food Initiative by highlighting local farms and farmers, chefs and… Read More
King County awards COVID-19 relief grants to regional science organizations, arts and culture, and independent live music venues
King County provided $2 million in one-time grants to science, arts and culture organizations, and independent live music venues disrupted by COVID-19 across the region. The program is tailored to organizations that draw tourists and is designed to ease the economic burden of the pandemic while also increasing public health measures. With $2 million of funding backed by the federal CARES Act, King County awarded a total of 62 grants in three categories: Music venues (35 awards) • Arts, culture and science educations organizations (21 awards) • Science organizations (6 awards) The grant funds… Read More
The case of the metal strands – teamwork leads to the source of treatment system damage
Crossposted from Wastewater Treatment Division’s Clean Water Stories When wastewater comes into the Carnation Wastewater Treatment Plant, it first passes through a process that removes larger particles like trash and grit from the water. Next, the water flows through a process that involves tanks containing membranes. These membranes are fine filters (like spaghetti) that only allow water molecules to flow through. When staff at the Carnation Plant began noticing damage to the membranes, they investigated. What they found were metal strands causing the damage. They made a call to our utility’s Unusual Occurrence Program. Read more.
Expanded EBT benefits available for families to feed children who are learning from home
In order to reduce the impact of the pandemic on our community, many school districts have opted for remote learning, meaning many students will be learning from home this year rather than from classroom. While this important decision reduces the risk of families contracting or spreading COVID-19, it also introduces increased financial burden to families that relied on free or reduced-price meals at school and now must adjust their finances to feed their children at home. To lessen this burden, Washington state, in partnership with the federal government, has introduced the temporary… Read More
Free Webinar for employees: Planning for College 101
The costs of attending college continue to increase, so planning is imperative. This one-hour webinar, provided by My Secure Advantage (MSA), will review different types of college savings accounts, the FAFSA financial aid process, scholarships, grants, and loans. Participants will leave this class better prepared to establish and fund their college savings goals. Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020 | 9 a.m. & noon | Register Here. Note: If you register and cannot attend, a recording of the webinar, along with a copy of the session presentation and handouts, will automatically be sent within 24 hours.
Electric scooter share pilot program
King County has launched a one-year pilot program for shared electric scooters in accordance with Ordinance 18989. We’re creating this pilot program to offer new mobility options in the North Highline Urban Unincorporated Area, including White Center. Scooter share programs operate much like bike share programs – anyone can access a scooter using a smartphone app, ride to their destination, and leave the scooter in an appropriate location. This pilot program will help the County determine whether shared Scooters can support the County’s policy goals of: Improving first/last mile connections to transit Reducing… Read More
Substance use and mental health disorder recovery resources during the pandemic
The pandemic is creating unique challenges for those faced with substance use and mental health disorders, including those in active recovery. Social isolation can heighten symptoms and cravings. Meanwhile connection – the antidote to isolation and a cornerstone of many recovery programs – has changed in the face of social distancing. Before coronavirus, rooms and facilities in communities across the globe were filled with groups of people offering each other resources, tips, and stories of strength and hope. Now, those groups have been asked to stop meeting in-person, to prevent the spread… Read More
Hot weather tips during a pandemic
Crossposted from the Public Health Insider Beautiful, warmer weather is in the forecast, but we all know this summer looks and feels different. With safety measures in place for COVID, we won’t be able to head to the air-conditioned comfort of movie theaters, malls, or even libraries. Pools, splash parks, and many beaches are closed. In previous summers, some cities have opened air-conditioned community spaces for the public to cool off. They won’t be able to open them this summer because with COVID circulating, it’s too risky to have groups of people close together… Read More
Executive Constantine submits $87 million emergency COVID-19 budget for drive-through testing in South King County, housing, and childcare
King County Executive Dow Constantine has transmitted an emergency supplemental budget to the King County Council for the fourth time since the COVID-19 outbreak. The $87 million proposal includes funding for new test sites, housing, and arts organizations. The $87 million emergency supplemental budget provides funds for one-time investments to help in the health and economy recovery of King County. Included in the budget is $11 million for at least two drive-through/walk-up testing sites in South and East King County that can provide 500-1,000 tests per day. Public Health – Seattle &… Read More
Learn about the proposed 2021-2022 budget
Dwight Dively, Director of the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget, has recorded a short video about the proposed 2021-2022 budget. In the video, he discusses the uncertainties we’re facing as we plan for the next two years, the budget shortfalls in several funds, and the County’s commitment to investing in anti-racist policies. “My team in the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget is currently reviewing budget proposals and developing recommendations for the County Executive,” Dwight said. “There are still many unknowns and a lot of work to do between now and… Read More
New name for DHR division
As the Benefits, Payroll and Retirement Operations Section of the Department of Executive Services (DES) gets set to join the Department of Human Resources (DHR) in 2021, DHR’s existing Employee Health and Safety Division (EHSD) will be renamed Central Employee Services Division (CESD), effective Jan. 1, 2021. This change will more accurately reflect the full suite of services that the expanded division will provide beginning next year. Employees in BPROS and EHSD took part in a survey to name the division. While Employee Services Division (ESD) received the highest number of votes… Read More
Ride Away Your Stress, Safely and Affordably!
Crossposted from the Public Health Insider By Emily Devora Hops, UW MPH Student, Violence and Injury Prevention Unit When you are stressed out, what do you do to relax? Did you know that physical activity reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones? In fact, exercise releases brain chemicals that improves mood. During times of high stress, riding a bicycle is a great way to improve your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Biking can help you get to where you need to go and be a rejuvenating social activity to do with family, friends or alone. Within King County,… Read More
WW now offering live, interactive Virtual Workshops
WW now offers live, interactive Virtual Workshops, led by a WW coach that will support you on your wellness journey. During Virtual Workshops, you’ll be connected with other WW members based on your hobbies and lifestyle. There are also groups for your favorite activity, age, location, and more. Sign up for WW at www.WW.com/wellness and enter King County Access ID: 33139. All King County employees and benefits-covered spouses or state-registered domestic partners are eligible for WW discounted rates and a 50% subsidy. For more information, contact balancedyou@kingcounty.gov.
King County receives award for employee engagement program
King County recently received an ACE Award from Confirmit for improvements made in employee engagement as a result of its annual surveys and an employee-led action plan process to address issues identified in the survey. King County was further distinguished by being named the Judge’s Choice in the Employee Experience category and was the only public sector winner in any category. Confirmit’s 5,000 clients from around the world were eligible to apply. “This accomplishment was achieved by the collective efforts of employees and managers at all levels of our organization over the… Read More
Featured Job: Principal Accountant
Salary: $82,825.60 – $104,998.40 Annually Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week Department: DES – Executive Services Job Number: 2020JM11949 Division: FBOD-Finance & Business Ops Closing: 8/16/2020 11:59 PM Pacific Learn more about this position or view all available positions
Automated, online Employment and Income Verification services available to all employees
We want to remind you that all King County employees can use InVerify, an Income and Employment Verification service, to access verification of County employment. In order to better serve you, King County has partnered with InVerify to meet all of your verification of employment needs. By automating this process, we are ensuring speedy, secure, auditable, and legally compliant responses to assist you in obtaining: Loans, home mortgages, new jobs, rental qualifications, and Social Service benefits such as temporary assistance, housing assistance, child support, or nutrition assistance. It’s one more way we’re Investing… Read More
Bridging the Gap Between Community and Systems
Crossposted from the Zero Youth Detention blog Willard Jimerson, Jr. grew up in Seattle’s historically African American Central District neighborhood. Raised by a loving grandmother and grandfather, young Will could never have predicted that just six weeks after his 13th birthday he’d become a ward of the state and spend the rest of his childhood in America’s adult prison system. One fatal and catastrophic moment on a late night in 1994 changed everything. The kid who once fancied himself a charming and mischievous prankster, who loved playing arcade games and pick-up football, was gone. … Read More
Tips and resources for employees living alone during the pandemic
Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges for people who live alone. While those living alone do not have to navigate boundaries with housemates, they may be faced with more difficulty finding social connection. Social connection is an integral part of mental and emotional well-being, and social isolation can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. To support employees living alone, Balanced You has developed the following list of tips and resources for you to consider during these uncertain times. Visit Balanced You’s blog for more information.
Emergency Deployment Program needs your administrative and project management skills!
Do you have administrative, data entry, project management support or translation skills and want to assist with King County’s response to the coronavirus? If so, we need you! As King County continues to respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, there is an urgent need to fill administrative-related roles within the County. In support of the County’s mandatory telecommuting order, most roles can be done remotely. As we strive to keep our workforce, workplace, and community safe, we have opportunities available to employees for temporary work redeployment to assist with COVID-19 related concerns… Read More
Learn more about Procurement Technology Modernization on August 17
The Procurement and Payables (P&P) section is excited to announce the Procurement Technology Modernization (PTM) project! There are two parts to the project: a new Oracle Cloud system to streamline procurement, and the Concur Travel and Travel Expense (T&E) reimbursement system. Both of these systems are expected to launch this fall. Oracle Cloud will include the following benefits: A new service request portal Allow for collaboration on procurements Enable self-service tracking of solicitations Streamline supplier registration and self-maintenance Electronic bid submissions (no more paper!) A contract repository And much more! The Concur… Read More
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