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First 2024 Professional Development Scholarship application period now open
The first application period for the 2024 Coalition Labor Agreement Professional Development Scholarship is now open. This period will remain open Sept. 6 – Oct. 8, 2023. This application period is to pay for training courses or programs that begin in 2024, or, for those in a self-paced online degree program, are both taking courses and have tuition and fees to pay during that time period. To apply, visit the scholarship website and click the “Apply Here” button. Please familiarize yourself with the eligibility and application requirements before submitting the application. Previous applicants please be aware that the application has migrated from NEOGOV to Microsoft… Read More
Transit agencies continue safety and health efforts following UW study recommendations
Crossposted from Metro Matters Health officials say riding transit remains safe; drug levels detected on public transportation ‘extremely low.’ Agencies continue vehicle filtration system improvements and cleaning protocols already underway. In a first-of-its-kind study, the University of Washington today released an analysis of drug smoke and residue samples collected on transit vehicles, and health officials say the levels are “extremely low” and that riding transit remains safe. The five transit agencies that sponsored the study—Sound Transit, King County Metro, Community Transit, Everett Transit and TriMet—are continuing plans to implement health and safety… Read More
Volunteer Tails: Fostering Bunnies
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC At Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC), we care for more than just cats and dogs. Depending on the need, we’ve taken in guinea pigs, birds, snakes, and even a rat or two. This year, we’ve taken in a large number of rabbits, which has been a bit unusual. Unfortunately, rabbits don’t do well in the shelter environment – but fortunately we have a group of dedicated bunny foster families who care for these fuzzy critters in their own home until they’re adopted. This story about one… Read More
Local food for all: Launch of 2024 refresh of the Local Food Initiative and Regional Food System Program
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green King County took a big step in becoming a leader in metropolitan food systems planning in 2014 when Executive Dow Constantine launched the Local Food Initiative (LFI) to expand the local food economy, to benefit county food businesses and farms, and to improve access to health and affordable food in low-income communities. Now, nearly a decade later, King County is launching a refresh of the LFI and King Conservation District’s complementary Regional Food System Program (RFSP). “The time is right. Climate change is more urgent than ever, the COVID-19 pandemic… Read More
EvergreenHealth remains in Regence network
Regence BlueShield and EvergreenHealth reached a contract agreement on Aug. 31, 2023. Services provided by Evergreen Health Providers and facilities will continue to be considered in-network by Regence. The provider network contract was immediately effective. If you are enrolled in the Regence KingCare Select Eastside Health Network or the Regence KingCare PPO medical plan and you see an Evergreen Health provider, there will be no disruption to your coverage or benefits. If you have questions, please call Regence BlueShield at 800-376-7926 or contact the King County Benefits team at 206-684-1556 or email KC… Read More
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Dr. Gupta visits King County to learn more about efforts to support youth
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Last week, Dr. Gupta joined King County Executive Dow Constantine, Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) Director Leo Flor, students, a parent of an alumni, and staff for a tour of the Interagency Recovery Academy, the state’s only publicly funded recovery high school. DCHS supports behavioral health outreach and recovery activities at the Recovery Academy by contributing state and federal funding. The Interagency Recovery Academy was established in 2015 as a partnership between Seattle Public Schools Interagency Academy Queen Anne Campus and the King County Behavioral Health and Recovery Division… Read More
Reminder of Racially Just training for all Executive branch employees
King County has launched a new training, We Are Racially Just: Our King County Values at Work, to help ensure that we all understand what it means to be racially just and what we can do in our own work to advance racial justice at King County. “Racial justice necessitates breaking with the status quo, disrupting business as usual, and approaching our work differently,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said. “It can be hard work and it can be uncomfortable, but in order to make progress we must lean into one of… Read More
Using sick leave to volunteer helps employees make a difference in our community
Updated April 20, 2026 This week, April 19–25, is National Volunteer Week and King County’s Employee Giving Program offers a unique way for employees to convert up to three instances of sick leave each year to volunteer in their community. The volunteer program allows all employees covered by the Coalition Labor Agreement with the King County Coalition of Unions, other collective bargaining units that have ratified this option, and all non-represented employees to use up to three instances of sick leave per year for volunteer service at a local school or participating Employee Giving Program nonprofit. “Volunteering is one way we stay… Read More
Finding hope and raising awareness during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
This September, as we recognize National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we are reminded that we can all provide hope and support to those who are struggling. Too many people experience suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need. The COVID-19 pandemic added to our anxieties and challenges, putting further stress on people’s mental health and wellness. We know that every year thousands of individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members suffering a tragic loss. When we lose someone to suicide, it has a deep and… Read More
Resources to help people at risk for suicide
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and an opportunity to highlight some of the resources and services available to support mental health and emotional well-being. “We know that every year thousands of individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members suffering a tragic loss,” Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams said. “When we lose someone to suicide, it has a deep and profound effect on us.” One way we can help people who are struggling is to learn to identify the risk factors, recognize the warning signs, and know what… Read More
Executive Constantine proclaims National Payroll Week
King County Executive Dow Constantine is recognizing the dedication and expertise of King County’s payroll professionals by proclaiming Sept. 4 through Sept. 8, 2023 as National Payroll Week. “King County payroll professionals play a key role in maintaining the economic health of the County, in ensuring the economic security of families by carrying out diverse tasks such as processing paychecks, payments to child support, and tax withholding, reporting, and depositing,” Executive Constantine said in the Proclamation. Read the full Proclamation below.
Celebrating the team behind your pay
As we celebrate National Payroll Week, we’re highlighting the work of the Central Payroll Operations Team which ensure that all employees are paid accurately and on time every pay period. Central Payroll Operations works hard to ensure paychecks are received in a timely, smooth manner, with no hiccups or inconveniences to employees. The team also handles payroll taxes and provides employees with annual W-2 forms. “Payroll seems like it would be really simple: department timekeepers report time and time off, Human Resources reports changes to positions or pay rates and employees magically get a… Read More
King County launches new effort to prevent youth suicide, invites you to join
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections September is coming around the corner, and we are preparing for September Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The Department of Community and Human Services partnered with Rescue Agency to develop a countywide Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign to help prevent youth suicide during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, including a Suicide Prevention Week of Action that will take place Sept. 10 – 16, 2023. Read more.
Massive pumps at West Point Treatment Plant get a tune up
Crossposted from Clean Water Stories The Intermediate Pump Station pumps that push wastewater through West Point Treatment Plant are massive and old. This three-pump trio is from the era of crimped hair and flannel shirts and Pearl Jam on a cassette tape. In constant service since 1993, they are now among the last of their kind on the West Coast. Even as pump designs (and hairstyles) have moved on, King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) is making these reliable ones last another 20 years. Last summer, the first pump came out of its… Read More
Sign up for onsite employee flu shot clinics
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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu shot every year, ideally by the end of October. Onsite flu clinics start Sept. 18. Learn more about onsite flu clinics and how to register here. In addition to onsite flu clinics at county worksites, employees can also get vaccinated at pharmacies and healthcare clinics. All… Read More
Executive, employees accept Employer Support Freedom Award in Washington D.C.
King County was honored at a ceremony in Washington D.C. with a 2023 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award in recognition of its support of National Guard and Reserve members. Only 15 recipients were selected for the award, which is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to small and large private and public sector employers for their exceptional support of employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. On hand to receive the award were King County Executive Dow Constantine, Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams, Metro Transit Operator Christopher Cappelletti… Read More
Discounts to 2023 Washington State Fair
King County employees can save on tickets to the Washington State Fair, Sept. 1-24. Click here for instructions on how to purchase your discount tickets. Once you log in to the Corporate Perks portal, your discount pricing will be unlocked. There is no need to enter an additional discount code. See all available discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.
An update on COVID-19: Q&A with Dr. Eric Chow, Chief of Communicable Disease Epidemiology
Crossposted from Public Health Insider You may have heard reports recently of increases in cases of COVID-19 in many parts of the U.S. We talked with Public Health’s Chief of Communicable Disease Epidemiology, Dr. Eric Chow, about what’s happening with COVID-19 in King County right now. Question: Are we seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases in King County? Dr. Chow: Yes. Since the beginning of August 2023, we’ve started to see an increase in some COVID-19 metrics in King County, including COVID-19 emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Individual COVID-19 case counts have… Read More
Blood donations urgently needed ahead of Labor Day
Shared from the Washington State Department of Health The Washington State Department of Health and Northwest Blood Coalition urge people to donate blood now to avoid a summer blood shortage. Bloodworks Northwest and Vitalant characterize the summer months as the “100 Deadliest Days.” Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, demand for blood remains constant, transfusion needs increase, but donations go down. Despite updated donor eligibility guidelines that allow more people to donate blood, nationwide the American Red Cross has seen a shortfall of about 25,000 blood donations during the first two months of summer. With fewer donations,… Read More
Third annual FOD Walk nets a key and other debris
Crossposted from the DES Express On July 22, about 140 people participated in the third annual FOD Walk at King County International Airport-Boeing Field, gathering on the main runway to remove Foreign Object Debris (FOD). Notable finds this year included a key, a screw, and other debris including rocks. Foreign object debris can be dangerous to aircraft, pilots, and passengers. “This year saw new sponsorships, more people (including King County Councilmembers), and perfect weather,” said Sam Priest. “All combined that provided a fun and exciting event, making King County International Airport a… Read More
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