Cross-posted from the Sheriff’s Newsletter Deputy Dylan Centanino-Sweers recently attended the Special Olympics Washington Winter Games in Wenatchee. He was joined by officers from other local jurisdictions. The Sheriff’s Office stated, “We were honored that Deputy Centanino-Sweers was chosen to award athletes who placed in their respective sports. As a former Renton Special Olympics track and field coach, he has continued to work closely with the organization.” The officers were all there to encourage and congratulate the athletes in their respective sports, which included downhill skiing, boarding, cross country, and other winter… Read More

The WA Cares Fund is a mandatory long-term care insurance benefit established by state law. It can be used to purchase long-term care services, which may include professional care, equipment, home safety evaluations, and/or compensation for family members who provide care. The WA Cares Fund is administered by the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Beginning July 1, 2023, all employers in Washington are required to collect the WA Cares Fund premium for the State via mandatory payroll deduction from all employees, unless… Read More

King County is refreshing the county’s Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) Strategic Plan, and you’re invited to share your ideas and experiences and help shape the plan. All Come Awareness Raising Sessions  Participate in the All Come Awareness Raising Sessions and learn more about the current plan and future engagement opportunities. Join virtually for one of the following sessions:  If you are unable to attend these sessions, they will be recorded and posted on the ESJ Strategic Plan Refresh Sharepoint website.   Identity-based Affinity Spaces  Any employee can opt-in to identity-based affinity spaces,… Read More

The theme for the annual King County Council Women’s History Month panel is “Passing the Torch: An Intergenerational Conversation.” This live, online event is sponsored and moderated by Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Claudia Balducci and Sarah Perry, the Legislative Branch Equity and Social Justice Team, and the King County Women’s Advisory Board. Wednesday, March 29 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Join via livestream on King County TV or Facebook. The panelists sharing their experience and vision will be:

For nearly 20 years, there has been a King County Sheriff Patrol that focuses on Metro transit stops and the surrounding areas. Unlike the typical deputy in a vehicle driving around a specific district, responding to calls sometimes miles away, the Bicycle Emphasis and Enforcement Squad – known as BEES – can be found pedaling between the central business district and the International District (ID). “One of the biggest advantages is that they’re accessible,” said Chief Jose Marenco. “Someone cruising by on a bike is easy to flag down. They also have… Read More

If you park in the Goat Hill Parking Garage, 415 6th Avenue, the Facilities Management Division (FMD) of Executive Services reminds you not to leave any valuables in your vehicle and to lock your car. There have been several “smash and grab” burglaries of vehicles at Goat Hill recently at night. Be vigilant, especially during overnight or early morning hours. Daylight saving time starts this weekend, so early mornings will be darker. Security escort program: Upon request, King County provides security in downtown Seattle for individuals moving between their workplace and their commute. Please contact… Read More

King County Executive Dow Constantine delivered his 2023 State of the County address to the King County Council Tuesday that highlighted progress in the last year and continued work ahead, including the need for action in the state Legislature to avoid budget cuts this fall. In his address, Executive Constantine launched the Civic Campus initiative, a proposal to reimagine the courthouse neighborhood, and with Sound Transit considering the shuttered Administration Building as the site for a new Link Light Rail station, Executive Constantine urged making the most of the opportunity if selected. He also… Read More

King County’s leave donation programs allow you to help colleagues affected by catastrophic health conditions or injuries, or those who are caring for family members, by donating sick or vacation hours. The Emergency Medical Leave Fund allows you to donate accrued leave to a central fund that can be distributed to other employees who have a qualifying need. You can donate up to 80 hours of accrued vacation and 25 hours of accrued sick leave each calendar year. The Employee-to-Employee Medical Leave Donation Program allows you to donate any amount of your… Read More

From the Sheriff’s Newsletter In the early morning hours of Feb. 16, Master Police Officer (MPO) Omar Jackson contacted the occupants of a vehicle parked outside a gas station-car wash- laundromat. He learned that a family of seven was living in that car. In speaking with the father, MPO Jackson was told that recently the entire family had moved to the area from the southeast and the father had also lost his job. As an experienced tradesman, he was willing and able to work. The five kids ranged in age from two… Read More

If you still have funds remaining in last year’s Health Care or Day Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), be sure to get reimbursed for expenses incurred in 2022. There are a variety of ways to submit claims and the deadline is March 31, 2023. Click here for details and information on how to submit claims. If you have questions about your FSA, contact Navia at 800-669-3539 or Navia Customer Service.