Executive launches Civic Campus initiative in State of the County address

King County Executive Dow Constantine delivered his 2023 State of the County address to the King County Council Tuesday that highlighted progress in the last year and continued work ahead, including the need for action in the state Legislature to avoid budget cuts this fall.

In his address, Executive Constantine launched the Civic Campus initiative, a proposal to reimagine the courthouse neighborhood, and with Sound Transit considering the shuttered Administration Building as the site for a new Link Light Rail station, Executive Constantine urged making the most of the opportunity if selected. He also urged the legislature to remove the 1% cap on the county’s primary funding source, and build statewide solutions to behavioral health. 

You can learn more in the press release and full transcript, and the video of his remarks.

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.

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 the emergency dispatch center at 206-296-5000 to arrange for a security escort whether coming in to work or leaving work. Escorts are limited by available staff.​

Walkpooling: Walkpool is a program where you can walk to and from work with a buddy. Visit the Employee Transportation Program website for more information.

To report a non-emergency incident, use our online form, call 206-296-5000, or email FMD.Security@kingcounty.gov. In case of emergency, call 911.

See additional resources and programs for personal safety at work.

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.

Pictured left to right, Sandi Trevino, incoming Maintenance Crew Chief; Patricia Beckman, founding member of the Women in Aviation International Conference, and Vanessa Chin, Innovation Section Manager.

Supporting people and communities affected by Türkiye and Syria earthquakes

On Feb. 6, a massive earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria, flattening entire cities and communities. Tens of thousands of people lost their lives and many more were injured. Hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless in freezing temperatures, without access to basic needs such as shelter, health care, sanitation, food, and water.

Now through March 15, King County employees can give support through a special Employee Giving Program by making donations to organizations that are providing humanitarian aid and support for the people impacted by the earthquake. 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 may be eligible for funding. Your Language Access Liaison has access to the application and is briefed on eligibility requirements. 

Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis through Monday, March 13.

Learn more about this program and see examples of funded projects.

Balanced You self-care webinars: Wellness tips for women

For Women's History Month, Balanced You is hosting a special webinar to honor the women here at King County. Join a discussion with a panel of experts who will talk about women’s nutrition, mental health, physical health, and managing perimenopause and menopause.  

• Thursday, March 23 from 1 to 2 p.m.  Register here.

My Secure Advantage webinar: Getting and keeping good credit 

Credit scores influence personal finances in more ways than most people realize. Whether it’s your auto insurance premium or the interest rate on your mortgage, you want your credit score to be “excellent”. In this webinar, My Secure Advantage (MSA) will discuss the criteria that determine a credit score, as well as how to establish new credit, how to recover from credit challenges, and best practices for maintaining an excellent credit score. 

• Thursday, March 23. Register here for 9 a.m.  or register here for noon. 

Pet of the Week: Larusso

HI, I'm Larusso, a two-year-old male Siberian Husky and Pit Bull mix. I'm an independent dog, full of energy and I love to play! I do best when I have lots of exercise and something to keep my mind busy.

You can find out more about me and my friends on our website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Regional Animal Services of King County (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.

Employee and Labor Relations Representative