Executive Constantine on adoption of $15.8 billion biennial King County budget: A road map to our values

King County Executive Dow Constantine released a statement after the King County Council unanimously passed a $15.8 billion biennial budget that adopts major investments in his priority areas focused on battling the climate crisis and restoring our environment, ensuring every person has a home, ensuring a community where every person is safe, and uprooting racism and racial disparities. Read the full statement here. 

Tomorrow is the last day of the Annual Giving Drive

A reminder that Friday, Nov. 18 is the last day of the Annual Giving Drive.

• This is a firm deadline for time donations and the last day to give online in PeopleSoft.
• If you set up payroll donations last year, don’t forget to renew those this year. Renewing takes less than two minutes.

The Employee Giving Program would like to thank you for continuing to support causes that are important to you, such as climate change, animal welfare, and food security. It all makes a difference. View the Employee Giving website for more information.

Now is the time to prioritize getting a flu shot and COVID-19 booster

With holiday gatherings around the corner, it’s important to be up to date on your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccination. King County Public Health officials are noting that respiratory viral infections have increased both locally and nationally.

Getting your flu and COVID-19 vaccines now is important to protect you and your loved ones from infection before there are further increases in local respiratory viral activity. Read more from Dr. Eric Chow, Public Health Chief of Communicable Disease Epidemiology and Immunizations. 

Support is available to quit smoking

The American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout is today. Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It takes time. And a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one. Let today be the day to start your journey toward a smoke-free life. Join thousands of other people from across the country and take the first step toward a healthier life.

View the tobacco cessation resources available to you on the Balanced You website and community resources on the Public Health website.

Metro's Operators of the Month

Did you know your bus driver’s artwork might be displayed on a Metro coach? Or that some of them enjoy working on cars and trucks, running, and biking? Or that they relax playing the stock market and working on taxes?

One thing is for sure: They are as unique as the people they provide transportation to every day, and all of them love driving and giving back to their community.

Meet your Operators of the Month for September and October 2022 here.

New Deferred Compensation Plan limits for 2023

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced increased contribution limits for qualified retirement plans, which includes King County’s 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.

For 2023, you can contribute up to $22,500 per year into your Deferred Compensation Plan. Previously, the limit was $20,500. If you are age 50 or older, you can contribute $30,000 per year; the previous limit was $27,000.

For more information, go to the Deferred Compensation Plan webpage. If you have a question about these limits and how they apply, please contact Osceola (O.C) Collier, King County Deferred Compensation Coordinator, at 206-263-9250 or KC Deferred Comp.

Administrative Professionals Virtual Cookbook

Do you have a go-to recipe for an appetizer, side or main dish? How about a yummy dessert? 

If so, we would love to include it in the Administrative Professionals Virtual Cookbook!

Use this form to submit your recipe by Friday, Nov. 18.

County offices closed Nov. 24 and 25

King County government offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. 

Click here for Metro Transit holiday bus schedules.

If you have questions about your holiday schedule, please speak to your supervisor. Have a safe and healthy holiday.

The Anti-Racist White Action Group needs your ideas

Join us for the monthly Anti-Racist White Action Group (ARWAG) meeting on a different date this month due to the holiday.

This month, we’re continuing work on our Fall Racial Justice Idea Drive, where we will discuss and prioritize ideas for racial justice projects we can undertake and sustain in the coming year.

We’ll also talk about current events in the news, learn about the body’s response to stress and trauma, and hear a member’s dilemma related to racism in the workplace.

• Tuesday, Nov. 29 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Join via Zoom.

ARWAG is one of the county’s Affinity Groups (also called Employee Resource Groups) that addresses racism and other forms of oppression to advance the county’s equity and social justice goals. Email arwag@kingcounty.gov to join this group, get the meeting notices, or for any questions.

Balanced You Self-care webinars: Managing Stress During the Holiday Season

The end of the year is a joyous time, and it can also bring on a lot of stress. From the pressure to buy gifts, travel stress, and even remembering loved ones lost, the holiday season brings up a lot of emotions and anxiety.

Join this Balanced You Self-Care webinar as panelists provide some ideas on how to take care of yourself during this time.

• Thursday, Dec. 1 from 1 to 2 p.m. Register here.

Seattle Symphony discount tickets for holiday shows

King County employees can receive a 20% discount on holiday performances using the promo code HOLIDAY23 when purchasing tickets.

Holiday Pops - A dazzling program full of holiday favorites, traditional carols, and plenty of yuletide cheer. 

• Friday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. Purchase tickets.
• Saturday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. Purchase tickets.

Handel's Messiah - Featuring the Seattle Symphony, Chorale, and a strong cast of soloists to honor Handel’s greatest work.

• Friday, Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. Purchase tickets.
• Saturday, Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Purchase tickets.

See all available discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.

Pet of the Week: Rocky

Hi, I'm Rocky, a two-year-old Boxer mix, and I am a very smart dog! At the shelter I am practicing how to "sit" and "shake". I am full of energy and I love to play. I do best when I have lots of exercise and something to keep my mind busy. I may do best as the only dog in my new home, or I may need a very slow introduction to other dogs. 

You can find out more about me and my other friends on our website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Note that RASKC has moved back to walk-in services. Find out more information about our adoption process on our website. If you have more questions, contact RASKC via phone at 206-296-7387 (PETS) or email pets@kingcounty.gov.