Featured Headlines
DCHS-led Health Through Housing initiative hits major milestone
In the field with Executive Zahilay: Listening to staff and empowering solutions
Tap to pay: Puget Sound region transit systems to accept credit and debit cards, and digital wallets as fare payment
Major ‘Revive I-5’ repairs continue for Ship Canal Bridge
News
Mack Rutherford stops at KCIA then breaks world records
Cross-posted from Plane Talk Mack Rutherford, who turned 17 while flying around the world, stopped at King County International Airport (KCIA) in early August on his way to breaking the record of the youngest person to fly solo around the world. Mack was greeted by David Decoteau, KCIA Deputy Director. Mack’s sister, Zara, also stopped at KCIA on her record-setting journey last year, when she was 19. Mack has now claimed two Guinness World Records, according to the Associated Press. Along with becoming the youngest person to fly around the world by himself, he is… Read More
Get rewarded for referring successful candidates to public safety jobs
At King County, we are one team. It’s one of our core values. And virtually every member of our team can now get directly involved in recruiting deputy sheriffs, corrections officers, and juvenile detention officers – and potentially be rewarded for it. Almost every King County employee is now eligible for a $5,000 bonus if they refer a successful candidate to our organization who is hired as a corrections officer, juvenile detention officer, or deputy sheriff. Know a friend, a cousin, or a former classmate who’s looking for a rewarding career in… Read More
King County employee performs emergency CPR on unconscious coworker
Last month, Solid Waste Division employee Kevin Dahl was unhooking his trailer before leaving Cedar Hills for his final garbage load of the night. That’s when he noticed something unusual. What he saw was a utility truck parked by the wash bays’ restrooms. Not an unusual spot to be but at that time of night most workers using those vehicles have clocked out. When he returned from the transfer station 90 minutes later to pick up his final load of the night, the utility truck was still there. Kevin had a strong… 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. 5 through Sept. 9, 2022 as National Payroll Week. “I encourage all County residents to join me in recognizing hardworking Americans across our nation, and in honoring all payroll professionals for their contributions to our economy and quality of life,” Constantine states. Read the entire proclamation below.
Get a flu shot this fall
With mask mandates lifted in most settings and many people resuming in-person activities, public health experts are predicting flu activity will ramp up this season. It’s especially important for every person to be protected before it starts to spread in our area to give your body time to build immunity. The county makes it free for employees and anyone covered by your healthcare benefits to get a flu shot at one of our onsite clinics, or at your doctor’s office or local pharmacy. The Balanced You team is again organizing free onsite… Read More
Megan Pedersen appointed as temporary Special Deputy for King County correctional facilities
Executive Constantine has appointed Megan Pedersen, current Director of the Office of Labor Relations, to serve as a temporary Special Deputy to the Executive, stepping into the role immediately to provide additional support in implementing critical actions and improvements related to staffing, operations, and health and safety in King County correctional facilities. Read more.
When can I get the updated COVID-19 booster?
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider An updated booster shot of COVID-19 vaccine is just around the corner. On Aug. 30, the FDA authorized updated booster vaccines for emergency use, but there are still a few steps left in the approval process. Expert panels will review the applications from Pfizer and Moderna for these new booster vaccines at the end of this week and if they decide to recommend them, the updated Omicron-specific boosters could be available late next week. Read more.
Get caught up on your preventive care
Preventive Care is a term that means routine health care services, such as check-ups, screenings, and tests, to prevent illnesses and health problems. King County health plans have reported that preventive screenings have declined among our employee population. Scheduling your annual well-visit with your Primary Care Provider is the best way to stay on top of your long-term health. As a King County employee, preventive screenings are 100% covered by your health plan—you pay nothing. Learn more about how to get caught up with your preventive care on the Balanced You blog.
Metro planner wins national equity award
Cross-posted from Metro Matters We’ve always known some pretty special people work at King County Metro, and sometimes, the larger world affirms that big time. Such is the case with planner Penny Lara, who just won a national transportation award for diversity, equity and inclusion. Lara received the award from the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT), which recognizes and honors outstanding achievements that improve transportation options. “Penny is a dedicated professional who has been a strong and consistent voice for equity and social justice,” said Transit Supervisor Ina Percival, Lara’s manager. “We are… Read More
Labor Day holiday is Monday, Sept. 5
Monday, Sept. 5 is Labor Day, and King County government offices will be closed. All offices will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 6. On Sept. 5, most Metro Transit buses will operate on Sunday schedules. As a reminder, starting this year King County government will observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a new annual paid holiday on the second Monday in October or Oct. 10, 2022. This new holiday will provide an opportunity for us to deepen our knowledge about our nation’s history and the institutionalized practices and policies that continue to harm Indigenous people today, and… Read More
Finding hope and raising awareness during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
By Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and it’s a reminder for all of us of the importance of checking in on each other and seeking support in times of crisis. 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 profound effect on us. Suicide has warning signs, and I encourage you to take the time to learn them. Seeking support… Read More
Your ID/ORCA card transit benefits and resources for a safer commute
As a King County employee, your employee ID/ORCA card opens up a world of public transit options in our region. If you’re eligible for commute benefits, one tap of your card pays your fare on the following regular services: Whether it’s bus, rail, or boat, find out more about your transit options on the Employee Transportation Program webpage. In addition to these transit options, employees can access a range of options for a safer commute, including: Find out more about programs for a safer commute on our Future of Work Personal Safety… Read More
Get a flu shot this fall
Dear King County Employee, In the past year, with so many people staying home, social distancing, and masking up, we saw relatively little flu circulating in Washington State. Now with mask mandates lifted in most settings and many people resuming in-person activities, we are likely to see flu activity ramp up this season. It’s especially important for every person to be protected before it starts to spread in our area to give your body time to build immunity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that, with rare exceptions, everyone six months and… Read More
King County Security Tips: Vishing
Cybercriminals not only use the internet and email to gain access to sensitive information, they use telephones to their unlawful advantage. Vishing is the term for criminal attempts to influence action or gain confidential information over the phone using social engineering. How it Works: Criminals have the ability to call from a blocked, “spoofed,” or private number, making it easier to pose as a fellow employee, an authority figure, or any person or organization that you would commonly interact with. Any information regarding the processes or technologies a company uses would assist… Read More
Making Life Easier Benefit: Childcare and Parenting Resources
As parents are preparing for the new school year, it’s likely there is a to-do list that is piled high. Making Life Easier (MLE) provides a free childcare and parenting resource for King County employees that includes unlimited calls and instant messaging for resources and referral assistance for kids from birth to age 16. Childcare consultants can offer resources to support parents in a number of situations like finding emergency back-up care if your school closes, volunteer opportunities for teens, play groups for infants/toddlers, and preschool recommendations. Consultants can also search for… Read More
Husky football ticket discount for King County
Husky Football is excited to offer local government employees discounted football tickets to four great matchups this fall. Portland State – Saturday, Sept. 10 Stanford – Saturday, Sept. 24 Arizona – Saturday, Oct. 15 Colorado – Saturday, Nov. 19 Click here to purchase tickets or for more information about other games, flex plans, season tickets, and group discounts. See all available King County employee discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.
Retirement plan contributions to change Sept. 1
Employee and employer contribution rates for retirement plans will change on Sept. 1, 2022, as approved by the State Legislature. The state Pension Funding Council adjusts contribution rates as needed to fund the retirement benefits earned by members. Click here to see the new contribution rates.
New approach by King County Regional Homelessness Authority featured in Washington Post
King County was featured this week in a Washington Post article on innovations to improve the accuracy of data on the homeless population in our area. The article documents a new method being trialed by the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) for counting unsheltered populations, and also features a report from the King County Department of Community and Human Services that analyzes integrated data hubs to better identify gaps between systems serving our most vulnerable neighbors. Better data will mean more effective solutions for people experiencing homelessness. Read more.
Search and Rescue team airlifts injured hiker
A team from the King County Search and Rescue team recenlty were caught on video airlifting an injured hiker off Cathedral Rock mountain. The hiker had a broken ankle and was not able to continue without assistance. Kudos to the team of deputies involved: Joshua Sweeney, Alexander Paul, Anthony Mullinax, Keith Potter, Robert Clarkson, and Peter Linde. According to a thank you email from the injured hiker, she is successfully recovering back home in California and doctors say she should be able to finish the trail next year. Click here to watch the rescue video.
Free Youth Transit Pass starts Sept. 1
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced today the one-week countdown to the Free Youth Transit Pass at a celebration and rally with advocates, young leaders, families, and officials who were champions for the change. King County will also join regional transit agencies in lowering ORCA LIFT fares to $1. Read more.
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