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Recipient of BRG Innovation Award for Cost helped stabilize region’s behavioral healthcare system
A team comprised of employees from the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division, Finance and Compliance Services, and Performance Measurement and Evaluation in the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is the recipient of the 2023 Best-Run Government (BRG) Innovation Award for Cost. The award was one of eight announced by Executive Dow Constantine in a video. The Behavioral Health Medicaid Rate Increase Project Team was instrumental in increasing rates for behavioral health providers, who have been struggling to attract and retain staff at a time when the County seeks to increase access… Read More
Three things we did to make contracting more equitable
By Office of Equity and Community Partnerships, Public Health – Seattle & King County Sometimes systems that were intended to create fairness backfire. Organizations and vendors should have equal opportunity to bid for government contracts, so government agencies typically use Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in an attempt to open up contracting. But in reality, this process can add to disparity. For example, if you are a small organization or business, you probably don’t have dedicated staff who can easily respond to RFPs. Even for highly capable staff, it can be daunting and… Read More
Keeping KCCF orderly and fun: Ting Chou marks 25 years with King County
By Christina Lorella Kuzu, Communications Specialist with the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention You can find Ting Chou at the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) every Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon, making sure officers and residents get what they need. From stocking supplies to fulfilling resident kites (a written request from a person in custody), his role as a records unit support clerk is important to jail operations. Ting also makes it his unofficial duty to guarantee that coworkers don’t take themselves too seriously. “We know when he’s… Read More
Discount tickets for the Taste Northwest
The Taste Northwest is back! King county employees can enjoy food, fun, and entertainment at discounted prices. Go to TheFair.com/Corporate, click ‘Buy Tickets Online’, then enter the access password: king24. Note: Enter your log in twice – once to access and once at check out. You will not see your discount until you enter the code at check out. The code is the same for each entry. See all available discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.
Kelly Rider appointed Director of the Department of Community and Human Services
Executive Constantine has appointed Kelly Rider Director of the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS). Since February, Kelly has served as Acting Director of DCHS and previously served as Chief of Staff, where she oversaw legislative efforts, policy development, strategic partnerships, and investments in our region. In her seven years with DCHS, Rider has built lasting relationships with human services providers and jurisdictions across King County, and helped advance key initiatives, including Health Through Housing and the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services levy, renewed for a fourth time last year. Read more.
King County adding Wilburton Trestle to Eastrail
A public-private partnership that includes Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, Amazon, the City of Bellevue, Kaiser Permanente, and the King County Parks Levy started transforming the 120-year-old Wilburton Trestle into a trail bridge that will be added to the emerging 42-mile Eastrail. “We’ve built strong partnerships to transform the historic Wilburton Trestle into a trail bridge for Eastrail,” said Executive Constantine. “Creating a regional trail that offers healthy, reliable, scenic connections to some of the world’s leading job centers, vibrant cities, and light rail service demonstrates what we can achieve when we align… Read More
Natural Resources and Parks’ Recruitment Standards Project receives Innovation Award for People
Like many organizations today, King County is facing challenges in filling vacant positions amid shortages in the labor market and fierce competition for talent. In addition, the County’s commitment to Equity, Racial, and Social Justice means that embedding pro-equity practices into its processes is crucial in advancing these efforts. The Human Resources team in the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) realized that it could be more effective in bringing much-needed talent on board if it could speed up the recruiting process and build equity practices into every step of the… Read More
Hazardous Waste Management Program’s Annual Report
The Annual Report highlights the Hazardous Waste Management Program’s services, accomplishments, and financial status for 2023. Read about how the Program reduced toxic exposures, held product makers and sellers responsible, and put innovation into action. Read the report here.
A cyclist’s haven: Take a ride on the Burke-Gilman trail
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider As spring ends and summer begins, we’d like to bring to your attention a fantastic biking trail, the Burke-Gilman Trail, and a few bike safety tips along the way. The Burke-Gilman Trail is a cyclist’s haven, providing commuters with a smooth, uninterrupted route. Its 20-mile stretch connects various neighborhoods, allowing riders to bypass traffic and avoid the stop-and-go of city streets. This seamless experience saves time and enhances safety, as cyclists are less exposed to the risks associated with urban traffic. The trail’s well-maintained path and excellent wayfinding ensure that cyclists… Read More
Watch 2024 State of the County address on June 11
King County Executive Dow Constantine will deliver his 2024 State of the County address during the King County Council meeting on Tuesday, June 11, and employees are invited to watch the address live from their workspaces. You can watch Executive Constantine’s address streaming live on this webpage and on KCTV Channels 22 and 322 (HD). The Executive’s remarks will begin around 2:30 p.m. Every year, during the State of the County address, Executive Constantine discusses the condition of our County and outlines his priorities to the people of King County. Video and the text of the… Read More
Natural Resources and Parks’ Recruitment Standards Project receives Innovation Award for People
Like many organizations today, King County is facing challenges in filling vacant positions amid shortages in the labor market and fierce competition for talent. In addition, the County’s commitment to Equity, Racial, and Social Justice means that embedding pro-equity practices into its processes is crucial in advancing these efforts. Delays in the hiring process can result in the loss of talented candidates to other organizations or opportunities, making it harder to fill critically important positions. The Human Resources team in the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) realized that it could… Read More
King County Executive proclaims June to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month
King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed June 2024 to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month. In the proclamation, Executive Constantine urges all King County residents to honor the fight against discrimination and to honor the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people to our County and our society. Read the full proclamation below.
BRG Leadership Excellence Award for Individual Contributor
Alicia Martinez, from the Department of Community and Human Services/Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports Division, has been honored as the winner of the Best-Run Government Leadership Excellence Award for an Individual Contributor. Executive Constantine launched the Best-Run Government Awards – formerly known as the Performance Excellence Awards – in 2018. Best-Run Government is our commitment to continuously improve the equity, efficiency, and effectiveness of how King County operates. The awards recognize individuals and project teams in the Executive branch for their exceptional contributions in innovation, leadership, and continuous improvement at King… Read More
King County program successfully creating jobs and long-term housing
In 2021, King County established the Jobs and Housing Program to combat the region’s homelessness crisis using funds from the American Rescue Plan. The program connects people experiencing homelessness to subsidized employment, housing, and career services to help them permanently exit the homelessness system. The program is an excellent example of how multiple King County departments and community organizations come together to help some of the most vulnerable individuals and families in the County. It’s designed to provide temporary job opportunities and housing resources with the goal of eventually developing into more… Read More
BRG Leadership Excellence Award for People Leader
Congratulations to Mike Bacnis, Finance/Accounting Supervisor for DES/FBOD, for winning the 2023 Best-Run Government Leadership Excellence Award for a People Leader. The Executive launched the Best-Run Government Awards – formerly known as the Performance Excellence Awards – in 2018 to recognize individuals and project teams In the Executive branch for their exceptional contributions in innovation, leadership, and continuous improvement at King County. The Leadership Excellence Award for a People Leader honors someone who manages staff and has made significant and tangible leadership contributions to developing the Executive branch values in others, improving… Read More
What’s on at City Hall Park this spring and summer?
City Hall Park, adjacent to the King County Courthouse, is offering movies, workshops, and more this spring and summer in addition to the daily buskers in the park. There will be three free movie screenings this summer starting at noon: The Bike Mobile truck is providing free to low-cost bike maintenance and bicycles at City Hall Park on select Tuesdays in 2024. Upcoming dates include: June 4, June 18, July 2, July 16, August 6, August 20, Sept. 3, Sept. 17, Oct. 1, Oct. 15 (all from 1 to 4 p.m.), Nov…. Read More
Danotra McBride receives 2023 Fred Jarrett Leadership Excellence Award
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the winners of the 2023 Best-Run Government Awards on May 9, with eight King County employees, leaders, and teams recognized for their outstanding performance, leadership, and innovation. In a surprise ceremony, Executive Constantine announced that Danotra McBride, Director of Jail Health Services, was the winner of the 2023 Fred Jarrett Leadership Excellence Award, the awards’ highest honor. The Fred Jarrett Leadership Excellence Award – named for former Deputy Executive Fred Jarrett, the driving force behind Lean and continuous improvement for nine years at the County –… Read More
Retirement-related calls and emails are not from King County vendors
Several King County employees have reported receiving suspicious calls and emails about retirement and deferred compensation plans. Should anyone claiming to represent King County employee retirement or financial services contact you directly, do not provide them with personal information. Calls are from someone stating they work for Equitable financial services who wants to discuss your deferred compensation plan. This caller does not represent any King County retirement or financial programs. In addition, Equitable is not a provider of any King County retirement or financial plans. In addition, emails have been received with… Read More
May is proclaimed Jewish American Heritage Month
King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month in King County. “Jewish immigrants to America, since their first arrival to our shores in the 16th century, have played a central role in the creation, growth, freedom, prosperity, and strength of the United States of America,” Executive Constantine states in his Proclamation. “Since 2006, the month of May has been celebrated as Jewish American Heritage Month, pursuant to a bipartisan resolution of Congress.” Executive Constantine also recognized the significant contributions Jewish Americans have made “to… Read More
King County receives recognition at annual Women in Trades event
The Washington Women in Trades Job Fair held recently at the Seattle Center brought together a diverse array of talented individuals in the trades industry. The event served as a platform for showcasing the exciting career opportunities available at King County, while highlighting the county’s support for diversity and innovation. The job fair was a vibrant gathering, where attendees had the chance to connect with skilled professionals and explore various career pathways. From carpentry to electrical work, participants engaged with representatives from different trades, gaining insights into the industry’s latest trends and… Read More
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