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Tax documentation for workplace giving donations available
It’s tax time and you may be asking, how do I document workplace giving charitable donations for my taxes? If you donated through the King County Employee Giving Program, here’s the scoop on just how easy it is to retrieve this documentation for tax purposes. Read more.
King County to observe Presidents Day holiday on Monday, Feb. 20
Most King County offices will be closed in observance of Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 20. Due to the nature of our work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. Metro will remain on regular weekday service. If you have any questions about your schedule, please talk to your supervisor. Offices will return to normal service on Tuesday, Feb. 21.
Metromance: Two bus operators who drove straight to a fairytale!
Cross-posted from Metro Matters The year was 1981. Paul Schwartz and Debra Revere were both assigned to the Ryerson Base in Seattle. Paul had begun driving for Metro in 1979 and Debra in 1980. In a truly perfect Metro moment, the two met in the base bullpen (the lobby for operators). Their first conversation: Discussing Paul’s selection as Operator of the Month. In July of 1982, Debra sent a request to the popular live NPR radio program “A Prairie Home Companion” to have Paul wished a happy birthday during the broadcast. During the broadcast, she… Read More
Vehicle use policy changes
The Use of Vehicles for County Business policy, which covers the use of non-revenue county vehicles and employee-provided vehicles to conduct county business, was recently updated. Since county employees conduct business all over Washington state, one important change that came with this update is allowing vehicles to be driven outside of King County without prior authorization. However, other policies and department or division requirements still apply. Employees who drive county vehicles must have a valid Washington state driver’s license and follow the King County Vehicle Driver’s Operating Manual. The manual covers how… Read More
Have an idea to improve language access services? Your department may be eligible for a grant.
King County’s Office of Equity, Racial and Social Justice has grant funds available for qualifying language access projects and programs. The goal of this funding is to assist departments with implementing their Language Access Plans and ensuring meaningful access for persons with disabilities or who speak languages other than English. Eligible proposals must address language access needs or gaps related to COVID-19 and its impacts. Your department or agency is encouraged to apply! If you have an idea, reach out to your Language Access Liaison to discuss potential programs or projects that… Read More
Executive hosts conversation on youth mental health with US Surgeon General
King County Executive Dow Constantine yesterday hosted a discussion with United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on the youth mental health crisis and policy resources for youth mental health at the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. “One of the challenges that we are facing is the increased mental health burden, the increased challenges, particularly for youth, after three years of this disruption. The impact on children and youth has been pronounced and is on top of challenges youth were already experiencing,” Executive Constantine said during the discussion…. Read More
Rescue training: Ice, ice, baby
Cross-posted from the Sheriff’s newsletter Recently, the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Marine Rescue Dive Unit (MRDU) participated in a joint training day with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Dive unit. The training was specific to Ice Rescue and Ice Diving operations and took place at Fish Lake in Chelan County. Outside temperatures during the day were in the twenties, water temperature was 34 degrees Fahrenheit and safety was the biggest aspect of this training. Ice thickness was up to 12 inches in places and conditions were very cold. In spite of the frozen training… Read More
Find a primary care provider
Research shows that people with a primary care provider (PCP) enjoy better health outcomes. People who have a relationship with a primary care provider as their usual source of care are more likely to receive high-value care, have better access to care, and report a higher satisfaction with their health care. A PCP who you see regularly is likely to find problems sooner and can be a trusted resource who follows you over time. Seeing your PCP regularly can also help save money and avoid more costly care, such as an emergency… Read More
Safety Tip: Latest security updates
Our top priority is your safety and security at work, and we are continuing to partner with law enforcement, community, and other governments to ensure a safer, more welcoming environment in and around our facilities. This video covers the latest updates to King County security programs as well as resources and information. Check out the video and view other safety videos on the Future of Work Personal Safety at Work intranet page (employees only). For more information on employee safety programs, visit the Safety at Work page.
Employee Giving Program committee recruiting new members
New members are being recruited for the Employee Giving Program committee. This team works on strategic planning, policy development and recommendations, process improvements, employee engagement, communications and marketing, and project planning and implementation. The committee is looking for members that are passionate about creating opportunities for King County employee engagement, are interested to learn about and strengthen relationships with participating nonprofit agencies, and are lifelong learners wanting to further develop their leadership skills as part of a high performing team. Read more.
February is Heart Health Month
In observance of Heart Health Month, King County and Omada Diabetes Prevention program want to provide you with tips for taking small steps to improving your heart health. There’s no question about it–regular activity really pays off, from lowering your blood sugar and cholesterol to reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke. Read the Balanced You blog for tips for getting active as well as more information about the Omada Diabetes Management program and Diabetes Prevention program.
On the beat in Burien with Detective Mark Hayden
Cross-posted from the Sheriff’s newsletter Detective Mark Hayden has been serving the Burien Police Department and its community for almost 20 years, most recently as the full-time resource officer for downtown Burien. Recently, Undersheriff Jesse Anderson joined Detective Hayden for a stroll through the Burien Farmers Market, where they interacted with community members and business owners. They all expressed their gratitude for the difference Det. Hayden made with his presence on foot patrol.
King County security tips: Keep devices and software up to date
You know that little pop-up prompting you to restart your computer for a software update? The one that only seems to come up when you’re in the middle of something important? As annoying as it may seem, this notification is actually a valuable asset to your cybersecurity. So, before you click the “Later” option, let’s take a closer look. What is a software update?A software update is a new and improved version of a program, application, or operating system that you are already using. The update may include new features, bug fixes,… Read More
Raptor rescued and relocated
Reposted from Plane Talk Thanks to George Pierce, airport operations specialist at King County International Airport (KCIA), and Scott Gilbert, a wildlife biologist from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an adult Red-tailed hawk has been relocated safely from the airport to a rural environment. Part of Pierce’s job is to patrol the airport and help keep wildlife away, preventing bird strikes and other safety issues. “We had a resident bird that was encroaching closer and closer into the active airspace,” Pierce said. “This hawk, it’s getting too comfortable out here. I was… Read More
King County International Airport preparing for Major League Baseball All-Star Game
Cross-posted from Plane Talk Planning has begun to accommodate the needs of the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Game, to be hosted by the Seattle Mariners on July 11 at T-Mobile Park. Airport leaders and staff, along with representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) and fixed base operators (FBOs), met in mid-January to begin a regular series of planning meetings. “We are thrilled to support this showcase of America’s pastime,” said John Parrott, director at King County International Airport – Boeing Field (KCIA). Getting ready… Read More
COVID-19 vaccine mandate lifted for King County employees in the Executive Branch
Starting February 6, King County will no longer require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of Executive Branch employment. Thanks to the success of the vaccine, vaccine mandate, and other precautions King County employees and residents have taken, COVID-19 cases are trending downwards, and the risk of serious infection is falling. After consulting with Public Health – Seattle & King County and other regional leaders, King County Executive Dow Constantine believes that it is now appropriate to end the Emergency Proclamation and Orders and lift the vaccine mandate as a… Read More
King County and City of Seattle announce updates to employee vaccine mandate
In alignment with updated Public Health – Seattle and King County guidance, Executive Dow Constantine and Mayor Bruce Harrell announced today that King County and the City of Seattle will no longer require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment effective today. Throughout the pandemic, King County and the City of Seattle have used the most up-to-date recommendations and expertise from Public Health officials to inform policy decisions to adapt to the conditions and threats from the virus. To keep employees and the community safe and healthy, in mid-2021… Read More
Air Support and Medic One winter training
Cross-posted from the Sheriff’s newsletter The Air Support Unit’s Rescue Specialists and King County Medic One Paramedics Rescue Specialists recently conducted three days of winter training in the mountains near Alpental. Crew members trained to prepare the team for operations in the snow and rugged mountains in King County and throughout Washington. They received lectures and practical skills training in recognizing and evaluating avalanche conditions and terrain. Crew members also got practical experience locating and extracting avalanche victims, rigging rope systems for lowering and raising patients in litters, and methods for safely… Read More
Leading with Love: Meet the new co-chairs of the American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika affinity group
For the next two years, Guru Dorje (he/him) and Helen Potter (she/they), are co-leading the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika (AANHP) Affinity Group. Their vision and goals for 2023 include collectively creating and defining an American Asian Native Hawaiian Pasifika identity through discussion, debate, and learning, and determining what a collective AANHP identity feels like and looks like in practice, taking into account similarities, as well as differences. Learn more about the new co-chairs here. The next AANHP virtual gathering will be Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. via Teams. If you are interested… Read More
Pay parking coming Feb. 6 to Clark Children and Family Justice Center
On Monday, Feb. 6, pay parking will go into effect at the Clark Children and Family Justice Center (CCFJC) at 12th Ave. and E. Alder St. The new rates will be posted at the entrance to the garage, and daily fees can be paid by credit or debit card. Complementary parking validation will be available upon request to members of the general public visiting the court or detention center. Employees assigned to the CCFJC can apply for paid monthly parking. For questions or to apply, contact Facilities Management Division Parking Operations at FMDPO@kingcounty.gov.
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