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RASKC found homes for more than 400 pets in Clear the Shelters campaign
Crossposted from the DES Express More than 400 pets, including 105 adult and senior cats, 213 kittens, 84 adult dogs, 10 puppies and five small mammals, found their “furever” homes after Regional Animal Services wrapped up participation in the “Clear the Shelters” campaign last week. Clear The Shelters is a nationwide campaign to get more pets adopted into more homes. This is the 10th anniversary of the event, and the first time that RASKC is participating. “We’re always grateful to our pet-loving community for opening up their hearts and homes to these… Read More
Records Management Reminder: Records must be retained in their “native format”
State law requires that records be retained in their “native” format. This means that if they were created as an email, they need to be retained as an email (and not printed out). And if they were created on paper (like a piece of mail received from a customer), they need to be retained in paper format. The exception to this is the Destruction After Digitization (DAD) Process. This gives any county employee the authorization to re-format or scan a record to a new digital version. They can then retain the new version… Read More
Pre-register for upcoming onsite King County flu and COVID-19 clinics
Getting your updated flu and COVID-19 shots is an important part of protecting your health, your family’s health, and your community’s health. Each year, King County’s Balanced You arranges onsite flu and COVID-19 shot clinics for employees who work onsite. You will need to pre-register for the onsite clinics. You are welcome to walk-in, but you will still need to register to receive shots, so please do so prior to the clinics. The following are upcoming onsite clinics: Atlantic/Central Bus Base, Classroom C, 1500 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, Monday, Sept. 23,… Read More
Now Recruiting 2024 Employee Giving Program Ambassadors
Bring a little inspiration to your day and build connection with your team by signing up to be an Ambassador. The Employee Giving Program is now recruiting King County Employees to serve as an Ambassadors for this year’s Annual Giving Drive to their work groups/sites. As an Ambassador, you are the heart and soul of our Employee Giving Program team. We can NOT run this program and support so many great causes without you. Last year that resulted in $2.29 million! You are the key to making sure that every King County… Read More
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) guidelines for King County employees
King County’s new guidelines set expectations for the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in the workplace. These guidelines were developed collaboratively by KCIT and OERSJ, according to state and national standards. GenAI systems create new content such as text, audio, images, and video by learning patterns and relationships within vast data sets. Although this exciting new technology can enable tremendous efficiencies, it is essential King County employees use GenAI responsibly. The guidelines are designed to reduce bias and protect sensitive personal data the public has entrusted to us. Key points include: All employees should read the GenAI guidelines Employees may… Read More
Leesa Manion: Breaking barriers as King County’s trailblazing prosecutor
Leesa Manion made history as the first Korean American woman and person of color to serve as King County Prosecutor. From her roots in Kentucky to leading one of King County’s largest law firms, she’s breaking barriers and inspiring future leaders to “dream big.” Read more. More about the American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika Affinity Group The next American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika (AANHP) virtual gathering will take place Friday, Sept. 20, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. If you are interested in attending the online event or getting connected to the AANHP… Read More
Executive Constantine proclaims 2024 Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
Latinx Heritage Month is celebrated every year from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed this time as Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month in King County. This month recognizes the anniversary of 1821 independence declarations in five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile, and Belize also celebrate their independence on Sept. 16, Sept. 18, and Sept. 21, respectively. “The cultural, educational, economic, and political influences of Latinx residents can be appreciated in all aspects of life,” he said. “I urge all… Read More
King County ranked in the top 20 in the U.S. for equitable ARPA spending
By Michael Jacobson, Deputy Director, Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget A new multiyear study conducted by the Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy (the Institute) at The New School identified King County as a national leader in investing federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 to advance equity. King County scored in the top 20 of 170 U.S. cities and counties evaluated by the Institute’s Budget Equity Project, which examined how local governments across the U.S. are investing flexible recovery funds from ARPA to support racial… Read More
Matt Sanders Appointed Interim Director for the King County Department of Public Defense
Last week, DPD Director Anita Khandelwal tendered her resignation to Executive Constantine, effective October 4. Matt Sanders, who has led DPD’s Associated Counsel for the Accused, (ACA), Division as its Managing Attorney for the last two years. He was appointed to serve as Interim Director while the Executive’s Office conducts a national recruitment for a permanent Director of the Department of Public Defense. “I am energized by the opportunity to work with each of you in this new role and to continue the outstanding work we do every day,” Sanders said… Read More
Five things our interns taught us this summer
Every summer, the Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget (PSB) invites a group of bright, eager students to spend 10-12 weeks with us as part of our public service internship program. These PSB interns gain hands-on experience, participate in professional development opportunities, and get a real chance to make an impact in their communities. In return, they bring fresh perspectives that help us see our work through a new lens. This summer was no different. Here are the top five things they taught us: 1. Enthusiasm is contagious (and necessary) There’s nothing… Read More
New RapidRide G Line celebrates start of service, Sept. 14
Employees are invited to celebrate the official start of the G Line service on Sept. 14. This is a community event that will have informational booths, entertainment, food, and a G-Line five-door bus on display. Attendees will also be able to enjoy refreshments, grab some swag, shop at local businesses, and sign up for an ORCA card. Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The celebration will be held on 19th Ave. between E. Pine and E. Madison St. This location carries the honorary designation of “Rev. Dr. S. McKinney Ave.,”… Read More
New report release: “Early Learning Facilities: Investing in Spaces Where Children can Thrive”
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections The Early Learning Facilities investment that funds improvements to family- and center-based child care facilities, released a report highlighting 2023 accomplishments. Read that report here! The investment from King County’s Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account (PSTAA) directs Sound Transit 3-related funds to be used to improve educational outcomes. Read more.
Equity in Infrastructure: King County signs pledge to support Historically Underutilized Businesses
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Executive Dow Constantine joined Sound Transit, the City of Seattle and other regional transit leaders to sign the Equity in Infrastructure Pledge to improve contracting opportunities for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs). “King County is committed to advancing equity in contracting, and the Equity in Infrastructure Pledge aligns perfectly with our ongoing work to support minority and women-owned businesses,” said King County Executive Constantine. “By amplifying opportunities for historically underutilized businesses, we seek to ensure that everyone has a fair chance to participate in and contribute to our region’s… Read More
Counting down: New RapidRide G Line and more King County Metro bus service begins Sept. 14
Crossposted from Metro Matters Starting Saturday, 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. The RapidRide G Line project and Sound Transit’s Link 1 Line expansion north to four new stations represent more than $3.1 billion in public transportation investments. Along with enhanced bus service upgrades, these new services will strengthen rider connections and expand the transit network…. Read More
DCHS shares video highlighting Crisis Connections
King County offers crisis services, and it all starts with making sure people have someone to call when they are experiencing a mental health or substance use related crisis. In honor of 988 Day and National Suicide Prevention Month, the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) wants to make sure everyone feels comfortable making that call or text to 988 or the regional crisis line. Staff at Crisis Connections are always available to answer, talk, listen, and offer support. View the video below. Learn more about Crisis Connections at https://www.crisisconnections.org and… Read More
Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month with Nuestra Tierra/Our Land
King County Superior Court will celebrate Latinx Heritage Month with lunchtime events at the King County Courthouse in Seattle and the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. Nuestra Tierra (Our Land) will feature food (including tamales from La Huerta Mexican and Latin Market in Kent) a panel discussion, guest speakers, mariachi music, and dancers. It will take place at noon on September 20 in Jury Room 2E at the Maleng Regional Justice Center, 401 4th Avenue North, Kent, and at noon on September 27 in the Presiding Courtroom (E-942) at the King County Courthouse, 516… Read More
King County celebrates September as National Preparedness Month “Start the Conversation”
Crossposted from KC Emergency News Join us in highlighting this year’s theme of “Preparing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities for Risks and Disasters.“ Things to do for National Preparedness Month Register to receive emergency alerts from ALERT King County in 29 languages Sign up for a free virtual Disaster Skills Training on Sept. 25 Join King County Emergency Management for a Reddit “Ask Me Anything” on Sept. 18 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on r/Seattle and r/SeattleWA Take a preparedness selfie and post Sept. 23-27 and tag #KingCountyReady Come learn about emergency preparedness at Uwajimaya Asian Markets from 3 p.m…. Read More
KCSO Deputy Sare and K9 Chuck make their TV debut
The King County Sheriff’s Office celebrated National Police K9 Day (Sept. 1) by making the local news rounds. KCSO Deputy/K9 Handler Sam Sare and his partner Chuck made their TV debuts on both KOMO TV (the Arc) and Good Day Seattle on Q13. Both were most excellent as Deputy Sare explained the benefits and the success of the K9 Program. Chuck, it seems, was born to be a star. Watch the video clip at the link here: King County K9 unit talks about special partnership.
Roads interns complete another amazing summer
Crossposted from King County Local Our amazing Roads interns are wrapping up their summer with us! Since June, these bright and driven students have been exploring various careers within Road Services – from Bridges and Structures to Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Management, Road and Traffic Engineering, and much more. Some of their key takeaways from a summer’s worth of real-world experience: Picked up pro communication skills and teamwork habits Got hands-on with industry programs and software Learned the ropes of safely operating field equipment Saw what goes into project timelines and development Read… Read More
Increase connections during Suicide Prevention Month
National Suicide Prevention Month, recognized during September, is a month to bring awareness to the general public and those who are affected by suicide. Mental health struggles, such as suicidal thoughts, can happen to anyone at any time. Mental health may be especially impacted by the unprecedented levels of loneliness many of us are experiencing. A 2023 Gallup poll indicated that one in five workers worldwide suffer from loneliness. Additionally, the United States Surgeon General issued a report in 2023 stating that our nation was experiencing an epidemic of loneliness and isolation…. Read More
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