Featured Headlines
Holiday travel? Metro will help you get there
Emergency exercise tests communications ahead of World Cup
King County Wins 2025 Geospatial Professional Network Award for Innovative AI-GIS System
Recognizing the service of Metro veterans
News
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.
Chief People Officer featured in blog on transformation of primary care
Crossposted from Balanced You King County’s Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams was featured in a Washington Health Alliance blog post about efforts to transform primary care in Washington State. The article highlights a public/private partnership involving some of the state’s largest employers which aims to build a more effective primary care system for residents and providers. Read more.
2023 Indigenous Peoples’ Day proclamation
King County Executive Dow Constantine, proclaimed Oct. 9, 2023, as Indigenous Peoples Day in King County and encourages all residents to learn about and embrace the historical truths and cultures of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Indigenous Peoples, and to respect their many contributions. Read the full proclamation below.
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day
On Monday, Oct. 9, King County will recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day to show respect for and celebrate the rich heritage, culture, contributions, and strength of local and regional American Indian, Alaska Native, and Indigenous communities. King County is home to a thriving Native American population from Tribal nations across the country and our region benefits tremendously from the generations of Native American people on whose land we currently live. There are 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington State; we are on the unceded ancestral lands of the Muckleshoot, Snoqualmie, Puyallup, Tulalip, and… Read More
Test of KCInform employee alert and warning system on Oct. 19
King County will conduct a test of KCInform, King County’s employee alert and warning system, on Thursday, Oct. 19 between 9 and 10 a.m. as part of the annual Great Washington ShakeOut drill to test earthquake preparedness. KCInform is used to notify County employees of emergency situations, infrastructure disruptions, facility closures, changes in department business operations, and other critical impacts. Your King County desk phone and @kingcounty.gov email address are already in the KCInform system. However, please register your County provided cell phone (if applicable) and personal cell phone and email address to ensure you don’t miss important, time-sensitive messages. The service… Read More
Employee safety contacts: Save them in your phone
Employee safety is essential to providing a supportive work environment. Below are several contacts and resources to help every King County employee feel safe and secure. What: 911. When to call: When you have a Police, Fire; or Medical emergency; a situation that could, or does, pose a danger to life, property or both; suspicious activity involving a person(s) or vehicle that appears to have criminal intent; any situation that requires immediate dispatch of an officer; to report a serious crime, such as robbery, domestic violence, or sexual assault. How: Call 911…. Read More
TicketsatWork offers continued discounts for exciting family friendly activities
King County employees can take advantage of TicketsatWork, an exclusive membership discount site offering a variety of discounted opportunities. Employees will get instant access to exclusive deals, limited-time offers and members-only perks on the products, services and experiences you need and love. With something to excite every interest, it’s time to spend less and enjoy more this season. This fall, employees can enjoy discounts on everything from spooky Halloween deals and other fall specials, to mental health assistance, flights, and travel. To get started: Visit www.ticketsatwork.com. Click “Become a Member” Enter the company… Read More
Celebrate the harvest with your local producers: Visit King County pumpkin patches this October
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green Autumn is making its presence known with chilly mornings and earlier sunsets. October is the perfect time to visit King County’s farms as they wind down for the year, especially festive pumpkin patches! There are pumpkin patches for every budget, type of family, variety of pumpkins, and activities. Pumpkins take three to four months to grow, requiring a significant investment of labor and land from farmers who choose to produce this fall favorite. As such, pumpkin patch sales can often financially make or break a farmer’s… Read More
QTBIPOC mental health and wellbeing
Crossposted from KC Balanced You King County recognizes the importance of raising awareness and sharing resources available to meet the unique needs of Queer and Transgender Black Indigenous People of Color (QTBIPOC). QTBIPOC represents a combination of various identities that intersect and influence a person’s mental health experiences. Individuals who identify as QTBIPOC face unique challenges and disparities in mental health care due to the intersections of their identities as well as historic and current systemic injustice. There are also a multitude of diverse experiences and perspectives within the QTBIPOC community. Individual… Read More
Stay informed about county emergencies
King County offers an alert and warning system called KCInform that notifies King County staff about county emergencies. You can add your personal email, home phone number, and work email and phone number to stay informed. Providing your personal contact information is voluntary, but will help King County reach you at home, work, or on the go in an emergency. KCInform will only contact you during an emergency or to test the system. To register, update, or verify your current information, email kcinform@kingcounty.gov. Click here for more information. King County will conduct a test of KCInform… Read More
Consider ways you can support and honor Indigenous People and Native American causes
In recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, Oct. 9, King County’s ARWAG (Anti-Racist White Action Affinity Group) encourages you to consider ways you can support and honor Indigenous People and Native American causes. Consider volunteering your time or donating all or part of a day’s pay in support of Native American causes. Take a look at nonprofit organizations participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive for ideas. You can also use up to three days of sick leave to volunteer at an Employee Giving Program nonprofit or at a local school. Also, take a moment… Read More
DAJD recognizes National Custodian Day
Crossposted from DAJD Did you know that there are 109 custodial and floor care staff who service all King County buildings, including the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention’s (DAJD) three secure detention facilities? These employees with King County’s Facilities Management Division take out more than 300 bags of trash a day. Across King County Correctional Facility, Maleng Regional Justice Center, and Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center, they clean more than 200 restrooms a day. Please join us in recognizing their great work as part of National Custodian… Read More
About
We tell stories that highlight the work we do to support our residents,
build strong communities, and make our region a great place to live and work.
Our 17,000+ employees work every day to make King County
a welcoming community where every person can thrive.
Share this:
King County, WA LinkedIn
Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date with all King County professional news.
Employee News 