Employee News
Telling the stories of King County employees
King County Metro invites Kirkland and Bellevue transit riders and residents to take a survey to tell Metro where they want to see high-quality, frequent, and reliable RapidRide bus service from Kirkland to Bellevue. Metro is looking for specific feedback on route options between Totem Lake, downtown Kirkland, and the South Kirkland Park-and-Ride. In 2025, Metro plans for RapidRide K Line service to connect eastside riders between communities and to Sound Transit’s Link light rail Blue Line, I-405 Bus Rapid Transit, and the RapidRide B Line. Metro is developing RapidRide K Line service for riders in the fast-growing communities between Totem Lake,… Read More
Design-build partners Howard S. Wright, HOK, and Integrus Architecture came together to discuss their time working on the Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center. A strong team approach is the secret sauce for the success between HSW, HOK, Integrus and the County. “There were so many different folks that actually helped inform the design of the building through the process,” said HOK Senior Design Principal Alan R. Bright. That’s probably been the most joyful part, is people working together to make a difference in this amazing facility.” Check out the video below to hear… Read More
Crossposted from GIS & You The American Geographical Society has announced the award of the first seven Ethical GEO Fellowships. Greg Babinski, KCGIS Finance and Marketing Manager within the Department of Information and Technology (KCIT), was honored to be selected as one of the seven Fellows. The American Geographical Society (AGS) is dedicated to the advancement of geographic thinking, knowledge, and understanding across business, government, academe, social sectors, and most importantly with teachers and students. Established in 1851, AGS is the oldest professional geographical organization in the United States. Read more from GIS & You
Community members and King County employees are invited to join in honoring our nation’s foremost human rights leader and King County’s namesake, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The theme for the 2020 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is “Yes, we are on the move and no wave of racism can stop us. We are on the move now.” They keynote address will be given by john a. powell, Director, Othering & Belonging Institute, University of California, Berkeley. The program also includes music and spoken word. Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, noon to 1 p.m., Town Hall… Read More
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC Stevie is a 14 year-old, female, brown tabby & white, longhair cat (A593379). Her personality color is GREEN, meaning she is an adaptable cat who loves to go with the flow. Stevie can be independent at times, but she loves petting and will even hop up in the laps of strangers. She is usually the first cat to greet those who come to visit. Read more from Tails from RASKC
Dear King County employee, November is Native American Awareness Month in King County, a time for us to celebrate the history, culture, and many contributions of Native people throughout our region and here at King County. We are on the ancestral lands of the Muckleshoot, Snoqualmie, Puyallup, Tulalip, and Suquamish Tribes, and the Duwamish people. And our community is home to a large population of Native people from Tribal nations across the country. Together with our Tribal partners we are advancing efforts to preserve open space, restore critical habitat, and save Orca… Read More
Dear employee, What do you think of when you hear the words “We are one team?” For me, “We are one team” is about strong relationships, trust, respect, and diversity: Our relationships with one another are crucial to our success. We all rely on one another to get our work done. Each of us brings unique skills and experiences to our teams. We come from different backgrounds and places. The more we get to know one another – what we like, our communication style, what we do outside of work – the… Read More
Dear fellow King County employee: In the midst of planning, traveling, cooking, working, and reflecting we are encouraged to stop and take a moment next week to celebrate all of those very precious people and things we have in our lives. This year, I am thankful for the extra time we were never promised with my mother. The moments and memories we were able to create and the endless gifts she gave to me of courage, love, and perseverance. I am grateful for my work family who, without flinching, stepped up to… Read More
Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It takes time. And a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one. Let the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout event on Nov. 21 be your day to start your journey toward a smoke-free life. You’ll be joining thousands of people who smoke across the country in taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing your cancer risk. Plus, the American Cancer Society can help you access the resources and support you need to quit. Learn about resources available, information on quitting… Read More
The Annual Giving Drive ends this Friday, Nov. 22, and this week we’re highlighting four nonprofits that are fighting hunger in our community and across the world: Feed the Children (5003) One of the world’s leading anti-hunger organizations, bringing together caring individuals to provide food, water, education, and job training in 50 states and 18 countries. Food Lifeline (9302) We rescue millions of pounds of surplus food from farmers, manufacturers, grocery stores, and restaurants. We then deliver this healthy and nutritious food to 275 food banks. Northwest Harvest (9013) We are Washington’s leading hunger relief and… Read More
To allow for system maintenance, the PeopleSoft system will not be available this weekend, Nov. 23 – 24. During this planned outage, the Business Resource Center (BRC) will apply updates and maintenance. This work will begin on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 6 a.m. and is scheduled to be completed by 7 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. The system will not be available for access by any County staff during this outage window. There will be a communication sent out to all County staff when the system becomes available. We realize that this outage impacts… Read More
As an employer, King County understands that those in the armed service bring with them unique skills, ideas and perspectives, We also know that these individuals have an overwhelming sense of service, and we want that here at King County! Therefore, King County is committed to supporting both our National Guard and Reserve employees who serve and their families. We are pleased to be the recipient of the Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) “Above and Beyond” Award for the comprehensive USERRA benefits we offer. The Uniformed… Read More
Crossposted from DES Express King County has reduced the number of properties going to the annual tax foreclosure auction by one third compared with 2018, continuing a trend of reducing foreclosures. In 2019, 1,910 parcels were subject to foreclosure, with just 60 ending up in the annual tax foreclosure auction. In 2018, 2,310 parcels were subject to foreclosure, and 99 parcels went to the foreclosure auction. Read more from DES Express
Crossposted from Public Health Insider High school students from across King County are carrying a powerful health message to their peers. They are talking about human papillomavirus (HPV), the cancers it can cause, and why it is so important for teens to get vaccinated against HPV. The HPV Vaccine Champion Summit, recently hosted by Public Health – Seattle & King County, convened nearly 50 students from 10 high schools to be trained as peer educators. Read more from Public Health Insider
Crossposted from Metro Matters Earlier this summer, we asked for your feedback on how Metro can better address the needs of our growing county in a way that is equitable and addresses the climate crisis. King County Metro has been working with the Equity Cabinet, a diverse group of community leaders from across the county, to develop the Mobility Framework. We took the feedback we received from you and other stakeholders across the region to the Equity Cabinet, who finalized their recommendations in early October. The Mobility Framework was transmitted to the… Read More
The 2019 hurricane season has been devastating on communities in the Caribbean and the southeastern United States, with Hurricane Dorian causing severe damage and loss of life in the Bahamas, and Tropical Storm Imelda causing catastrophic flooding in Texas. California has been hit hard by wildfires. Next week is the last week to take part in the Annual Giving Drive, and there are several options to support the people and communities impacted by these events: Payroll Donation – One time, once a month, or twice month. Time Donation – Up to three… Read More
Salary: $86,344.54 – $109,446.48 Annually Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT) Department: DPH – Public Health Job Number: 2019MF10806 Closing: 11/18/2019 11:59 PM Pacific Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC A smile as wide as the sky – this is Athena, our Pet of the Week! This sweet girl was brought in by her previous owner as their landlord wouldn’t allow them to have her due to her breed. Athena is super sweet and affectionate, and very much people social! Read more from Tails from RASKC View all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet.
Don’t miss your opportunity to evaluate your benefit choices and make changes. If you haven’t already done so, make sure the right benefit options are in place for you and your family next year. Go to the Open Enrollment website to review information, then, when you’re ready, sign on to PeopleSoft. If you don’t participate in Open Enrollment, your current elections automatically continue for next year—except your Flexible Spending Accounts and your Benefit Access Fee exemption, which must be selected each year. Read more here.
Participate in the Annual Giving Drive by attending one of many employee organized events. These events are an opportunity to enjoy time with colleagues, taste delicious treats, and support organizations doing great work in our community. Several upcoming events include: 2nd Annual Employee Giving Walk-a-thon: Nov. 14, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., YSC 1211 E Alder Street, Lobby DCHS 3rd Annual Family Feud Tournament: Nov. 14, 3 – 4 p.m., Chinook Building Room 126 BRC Bake Sale and Lip Sync: Nov. 15, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Chinook Building Rooms 121/123 View the full… Read More