Executive Constantine delivers 2022 State of the County address

Focusing on four priority pillars of work, King County Executive Dow Constantine recently delivered the 2022 State of the County to the King County Council. The address reflected on both the achievements of the last year and the opportunities ahead.

Executive Constantine laid out past successes and future actions in the critical areas of homelessness, public safety and the criminal legal system, anti-racism and pro-equity policies and investments, and environmental conservation and climate change. He also spoke to the ongoing work related to public health, transit, and the creative economy as King County recovers from the pandemic. Click here to read more and watch the address.

2022 Employee Survey results

The annual Employee Survey is a key tool in our efforts to create a truly welcoming, supportive, and respectful workplace at King County. Employee feedback is essential to realizing this goal.

This past March, approximately 8,300 Executive Branch employees took part in our Annual Employee Survey, which included Sheriff's Office employees for the first time. 

The survey results paint a picture of how employees are thinking and feeling about their roles at King County. The past two years have been a period of stress, uncertainty, and change. So it is no surprise that employee feelings of burnout are on the rise. However, well-being and belonging are trending upwards. Click here to see a brief video about the survey and link to view detailed results by department and division.

With COVID-19 rates high, what parents need to know about masking and testing

Cross-posted from Public Health Insider

COVID-19 risk for people in our community has increased over the past several weeks. In late April, our case rates put King County into the Medium COVID-19 Community Level. Unfortunately, we continue to receive many reports of COVID-19 cases and clusters throughout the community, including from schools and childcare centers.

With this increased level of COVID-19, parents may be wondering what they should consider for masking and testing right now. Click here to find out more.

Innovation Award for Service honorees

The Innovation Award for Service goes to the Department of Community and Human Services/Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports Division – Refugee Resettlement Hotel.

Hundreds of Afghan refugees evacuated to King County when U.S. troops withdrew from Afghanistan and needed temporary housing while they resettled. The Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports Division collaborated with multiple King County departments and community partners to quickly turn a county-owned hotel into safe, welcoming, and culturally respectful housing for our Afghan refugee neighbors. Click here to read more and watch the video. 

Each year, Executive Constantine holds the Performance Excellence Awards, which honor employees and workgroups at King County for their exceptional contributions to performance, leadership, and innovation. These leaders embody the Executive Branch values and strive to reach our True North: Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.

Local Services earns national communication award for its ‘Employee Diversity Showcase’

King County Local Services’ efforts to celebrate the diversity of its team in 2021 garnered some prestigious recognition this month.

The department won first place in the Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Awards competition by the National Association of Government Communicators. The winners were announced during a ceremony earlier this month. Click here to read the full story and see the employees featured in the showcase. 

King County: Government 101 

Girmay Zahilay, King County Councilmember District 2, recently made a video about the difference between city government and county government.

It is a simple, straight-forward, and affable piece that helps break down how King County serves and represents residents in the wide variety of urban, suburban, rural, and unincorporated areas.

It's not required viewing for King County employees, but it is a good resource to share with friends, family, and strangers who might wonder how county government is different from city government. Click here to watch the video.

Juneteenth an observed County holiday, 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.

June is Men’s Health Month

Are you ready to up your health and wellness game with WW (Weight Watchers)? King County employees, benefits-covered spouses, and eligible domestic partners receive an exclusive discount and can join now for $8.48 per month! Register at WW.com/us/Kingcounty.

See all available employee discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.

Mindfulness Events for June

Mindful Parenting: Bring the lens of mindfulness to meet the joys and challenges of parenting.

• Thursday, June 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register here.

Introduction to Mindfulness: Learn simple practices to use at work and home in this hands-on workshop.

• Monday, June 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. Register here.

Mindful Leadership: Learn how mindfulness can help you become a more effective and compassionate leader.

• Tuesday, June 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. Register here.

See the full mindfulness class schedule here.

Balanced You Coffee Connections: Cardio Conditioning

Summer sunshine is almost here! Join Balanced You Coffee Connections for a virtual cardio class designed to teach you aerobic exercises get you moving.

• Wednesday, June 8 from 12:30 to 1p.m. Register here.

Pet of the Week: Kanga

Hi, I'm Kanga, a five-year-old Great Dane mix who is ready for a new home. I must admit I am a little shy at first, but once I get to know you my true colors will show – and I'm potty-trained! I am a sweet and affectionate gal, but because of my size I would probably do best in a home with older children.

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 (RASKC) has returned to walk-in services. Learn more about the adoption process on our website. If you have more questions, you can contact RASKC by phone at 206-296-PETS (7387) or email pets@kingcounty.gov.