Watch the 2022 State of the County address Tuesday, May 24 at 1 p.m.
King County Executive Dow Constantine will deliver his 2022 State of the County address at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24, and employees are invited to watch the address live from their workstations.
You can watch Executive Constantine's address streaming live on this webpage and on KCTV Channels 22 and 322 (HD). The Executive’s remarks will begin a little after 1 p.m.
Every year, during the State of the County address, Executive Constantine discusses the condition of our County and outlines his legislative agenda and priorities to the people of King County.
Video and the text of the Executive’s address will be available soon after the event.
The State of the County address is a County-sponsored event and King County directors, managers, and supervisors are encouraged to permit employees to join, if possible. Employees should speak with their manager about HR policies regarding employee attendance at County-sponsored events.
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Juneteenth an observed County holiday on Monday, June 20
King County government will observe Juneteenth as a new paid holiday for the first time this year, on Monday, June 20.
Last year, King County Council passed two Ordinances and King County bargained Agreements for represented employees to establish Juneteenth (June 19) and Indigenous Peoples’ Day (second Monday in October) as paid holidays starting in 2022 for King County employees who are eligible for comprehensive leave benefits. Click here to read more.
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Innovation Award for People
Part of the Executive’s Performance Excellence Awards, the Innovation Award for People goes to the Department of Executive Services/Fleet Services – Apprenticeship Program.
Fleet Services was having trouble finding candidates with sufficient skills for heavy-duty technician positions, leading to staff shortages and delays in maintaining King County roads. The division created an apprenticeship program that allowed the county to grow a skilled workforce from within, and gave apprentices the opportunity to become career-service employees. Click here to learn more about this award and watch the video.
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Native American Career Day with Sheriff's Office
On May 11, the King County Sheriff's Office was privileged to stand by their partners at the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe which hosted Native American Career Day.
This event was attended by 200 area students and offered them an opportunity to talk to people from various industries and colleges about job opportunities and to support their career path.
Sheriff's Office members talked to the students and answered questions about public safety and a possible career with the department. For more information about this event and other upcoming community events, visit the KCSO Facebook page.
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Jail Health Services extends vaccine benefit program
Employees at Jail Health Services, Public Health — Seattle & King County, are poised to continue a successful incentive program that encourages people in custody to get vaccinated.
The relaunched vaccine benefit program is set to go live Thursday, May 19. It is happening thanks to a new $30,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The money will provide a $50 commissary credit to patients at the jail whenever they are eligible and elect to receive a vaccination, whether it is for their primary vaccination series or a booster dose.
“The COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive Team has done fantastic work to research patient hesitancy and launch a vaccine incentive program that is achieving successful results,” Jail Health Deputy Director Angie Hosking said. “The pilot of this program finished in March and resulted in 246 additional patients receiving their first or second dose. This team helped us experience a 153% increase in vaccinations administered compared to the prior month! We’re very proud to serve with these staff and are inspired by their efforts to improve patient outcomes.”
As soon as they obtained supplies last year, medical staff at the King County Correctional Facility and the Maleng Regional Justice Center have regularly offered vaccine doses to people in custody, starting during the intake process. However, many declined to get vaccinated. Jail Health leadership commended the Vaccine Incentive Team for collecting feedback to design the new incentive program in a way that meets real needs of the jail population. During the pilot program, 70% of participants said they were motivated by the incentives.
The Project Team: Becca Cole, Tess Koslosky, Nancy Carpio, and Chris Rampaul. The Vaccine Administration Team (most pictured below): CNAs Catherine Wamai and Syreeta Miller; and RNs Ceciliah Wanjiru, Rebecca Heaton, Kelsey Tran, Beatrice Igeria, and Tami Nesler. Additional Supporters: Nurse Supervisors Susie Densmore, Lio Saephanh, and Christopher Salatka. Click the image below for a larger view.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month video series on Thursday, May 26
There’s a saying in Vietnamese, “Uống nước nhớ nguồn” that translates to “when you drink from a river, remember its origins.” Join this special event to celebrate the contributions of three AANHPI leaders to learn how their past is connected to the present.
The event features artist and activist Erin Shigaki, chef Rachel Yang, and writer and UW professor Shawn Wong, as well as UW Professor Raissa DeSmet and students from the Southeast Asian Pasts and Futures (SEAPF) program.
- Thursday, May 26 at 11 a.m. on KCTV Livestream or channels 22 and 322 (HD).
The event will be hosted by Rosa Mai, legislative aide to Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, and is brought to you by the API Affinity Group of the legislative branch.
Anti-Racist White Action Group monthly meeting is Tuesday, May 24
Join the monthly Anti-Racist White Action Group (ARWAG) meeting. 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.
This month, we will take time to mourn the lives lost and reflect on the massacre by a white supremacist in Buffalo, New York. We will also recognize and celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Email arwag@kingcounty.gov to join this group, get the meeting notices or for any questions. Visit www.kingcounty.gov/affinitygroups for more information about the ARWAG Affinity Group.
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Protecting your assets with insurance
Insurance is more than just a safety net. It is part of your overall financial strategy. In this My Secure Advantage class, you will learn the importance of vehicle, property, life, and other common forms of insurance.
The goal for this webinar is to equip you with the information you need to assess the right coverage for your life and assets. You will also receive tips and best practices for shopping around and getting the best rates.
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Big Backyard 5K is Sunday, June 5
Founded in 2010, the Big Backyard 5K (also known as the BBY5K), is a community run/walk showcasing and benefitting King County Parks.
Proceeds from the BBY5K benefit King County Parks, supporting maintenance and operations of facilities and recreational resources. Thoughout 12 years, more than 12,000 runners and walkers have gathered to raise more than $75,000 for King County Parks.
This year’s event is on Sunday, June 5, and celebrates our ability to gather again with a simple approach to fun and fitness. Click here to find out more and register.
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Balanced You Coffee Connections: Cardio Class
Summer sunshine is almost here! Join Balanced You Coffee Connections for a virtual cardio class designed to teach you aerobic exercises and get you moving.
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Virtual Core Conditioning class
King County employees are invited to join Balanced You and Vivecorp for virtual Core Conditioning on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 6 p.m. During the class, you will work the entire body using power, strength, and stabilization exercises like woodchops, planks, and glute bridges. This class is perfect for combatting the effects of sitting at a desk or doing repetitive motions all day.
Heavy floor work with minimal jumping is involved. Exercises in these classes are taught at an intermediate level with variations suitable for all fitness levels available. To register for Core Conditioning or see a list of other classes, visit https://www.vivecorp.com/balancedyou.
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Pet of the Week: Johny
Hi, I'm Johny, a 10-year-old male tabby looking for a forever home. I am a gentle and loving cat who likes to take things slow. Once I get to know you, I will be a very devoted friend! I may be sensitive to handling, so I would do best in a home with a cat savvy family who knows when to give me some space.
You can find out more about me and my other friends on our website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Note that Regional Animal Services of King County has moved back to walk-in services! You can find out more information on our adoption process on our website as well. If you have more questions, you can contact RASKC via phone at 206-296-7387 (PETS) or email pets@kingcounty.gov.
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Featured Job: Data and Analysis Manager (Project Program Manager IV)
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King County Headlines
Sound Transit seeking public feedback on proposed changes to Title VI Policy
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