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
Administrative Professionals Q1 recognition
King County Administrative Professionals are a large part of King County government’s workforce and valuable contributors to the success of every department. They support and provide direct services to internal customers and the public. Administrative Professionals may include, but are not limited to, Administrative Specialists, Office Assistants, Executive Assistants, Customer Service Specialists, Dental and Medical Assistants, Court Clerks, and more. Show your appreciation Take the time to show your appreciation for an administrative professional. The first quarter recognition period closes March 31. All recognitions received between April 2022 through March 31, 2023 will be highlighted at the… Read More
Get active and fit with this healthy discount
We know physical fitness resources are important to King County employees and their families. King County employees covered by our health plans, have access to several gyms for a flat monthly fee through the Active&Fit Direct™ program. Find a flexible fitness lifestyle that will work for you. No long-term contracts, you can add or switch gyms anytime and cancel your membership when you need to without penalty. Read more about the benefits included and how to join.
Records Center staff go above and beyond
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express Late last year the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) was contacted by the spouse of a retired DAJD commander who had recently passed away. The former employee’s wife explained that her husband had retired after 30 years of service with DAJD, and while undergoing the emotional process of assessing his personal belongings she discovered documents that appeared to contain potential public records. Not knowing the status of the documents she had discovered, she contacted DAJD requesting assistance identifying the records and determining the best course of… Read More
Keeping boats afloat: Two Water Taxi stories
Cross-posted from Captain’s Blog As part of Transit Appreciation Week and Transit Operator Appreciation Day, the King County Water Taxi wants to recognize two members of the team who work to ensure riders have a smooth sail from dock to dock. Kennedy Menendez, who helped get over 80 stranded Bremerton passengers home on a late night run, and Capt. Dan Krehbiel, who was the first captain hired for the Water Taxi in 2009, are just two of the King County Water Taxi staff who are on the water every day, providing service to West… Read More
‘It takes people to move people.’ King County recognizes Transit Appreciation Week
It’s officially Transit Appreciation Week in King County, thanks to a proclamation from the King County Council recognizing transit employees who keep the region and its economy moving forward everyday. Councilmember Rod Dembowski spoke of Metro being the “most visible function of King County.” Dembowski, sponsor of the proclamation also highlighted Metro’s important role in providing mobility and opportunity to millions of riders through the years. Read more and watch the video here.
Annual Women’s History Month: Passing the Torch
The theme for the annual King County Council Women’s History Month panel is “Passing the Torch: An Intergenerational Conversation.” This live, online event features a panel of specialists who will speak about a life in activism and new voices who are picking up the banner for the next generation. Read more about the a panelists for this event. Wednesday, March 29 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Join via livestream on King County TV or Facebook. This presentation 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… Read More
GIS is everywhere (and everything, all at once)
Cross-posted from GIS & You So…what is GIS? In short, it’s a Geographic Information System that creates, manages, analyzes, and maps all types of data. GIS connects data to a map, integrating location data (where things are) with all types of descriptive information (what things are like there). According to Lisa Owen, from the King County GIS Center, it’s “data that knows where it lives.” Lisa recently had the opportunity to contribute to a discussion on Women in IT, with a spotlight on GIS. Read her entertaining blog post telling about her experience as a woman… Read More
Moving forward together: A shared vision for Metro’s future
“Transit must lead with equity and provide world-class service.” Michelle Allison, the new King County Metro General Manager, recently posted her perspective on the current state of the agency is and the vision for where it is headed. Allison shared three main priorities of the agency and those they serve to move forward together. Each priority is informed by deep and ongoing engagement with the community, a partnership that will continue every step of the way. Read more.
Now is the time to invite nonprofits to participate in the Annual Giving Drive
Nominate a nonprofit for inclusion in the Annual Giving Drive, and they will be contacted when the application cycle opens later this spring. All nonprofits must apply and meet eligibility requirements annually in order to be included in the Annual Giving Drive. Read more.
King County Sheriff’s Deputy awards athletes in Special Olympics Winter Games
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
WA Cares Fund program update: Mandatory payroll deductions begin July 1, 2023
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
Have your say in upcoming ESJ Plan Refresh sessions
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
Passing the Torch: An Intergenerational Conversation
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:
BEES patrol flies at street level
Updated April 23, 2024 “The BEES are easy to spot and quick to offer help,” said King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “Their presence maintains safety, deters crime, and brightens the day of our riders, employees and community members.” 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… Read More
Inspired by Women in Aviation International Conference
Cross-posted from Plane Talk After attending the Women in Aviation International Conference in February, King County International Airport’s Vanessa Chin, Innovation Section Manager, and Sandi Trevino, incoming Maintenance Crew Chief, came back inspired. So much so that Chin is reaching out to Women in Aviation International to see about starting a chapter in Seattle. “It was absolutely an incredible learning experience,” Chin said. “We met so many exceptional women in aviation.” Read more.
Goat Hill Parking Garage safety reminders
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
Daylight Saving Time reminder to spring forward March 12
This is a friendly reminder to all employees that Daylight Saving Time officially begins on Sunday, March 12 at 2 a.m., meaning we will move the clock ahead one hour. Daylight Saving Time will end on Nov. 5, 2023.
County Supervisors recognized for Military and Guard employee support
The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award recognizes supervisor support for employee National Guard and Reserve members, highlighting the contributions, awareness, and care that enable their employees to both serve their country and their organization. Such support includes creating flexible schedules, providing time off before and after deployments, supporting families, and much more. The ESGR, an official Department of Defense program, has recently bestowed two Patriot Awards to King County supervisors: Jane Corcoran and Amanda Gudmunson from the Department of Executive Services Business Resource Center for their outstanding… Read More
Ready for the next rainy season? The work to shore up clean water systems begins now
Cross-posted from Clean Water Stories It’s certainly not news that Western Washington is a wet place. That means a lot of water can flow into King County’s treatment plants on a daily, or even hourly basis. Rain doesn’t belong in the sewer, but it gets in there through cracks in sewer pipes or from drains on building roofs and foundations that are connected to the sewer system. In some parts of Seattle, sewer and stormwater systems are combined. And while the Wastewater Treatment Division is dealing with the rainy season, they’re also planning and strategizing for the work… Read More
Michelle Allison confirmed as Metro General Manager
Cross-posted from Metro Matters Michelle Allison, nominated by Executive Dow Constantine to lead King County Metro, was unanimously confirmed by the King County Council. Allison was previously deputy general manager and now becomes only the second woman to lead Metro. Allison is proudly leading Metro as it celebrates its milestone 50th anniversary in 2023, and the agency is carrying energy and enthusiasm forward as it heads into the next 50 years. Read more.
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