Celebrating Black History Month in King County 

King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed February 2020 to be Black History Month in King County. “Whereas. the scientific, technological, economic, political, and cultural innovations by Black Americans and African Americans have been essential to the progress of our nation and we will continue to honor these accomplishments every month and every day in Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., County, Washington State,” Executive Constantine said in his Proclamation. View the Executive’s proclamation here.   

2020 Engagement Survey changes  

Every year, the employee engagement team recommends improvements to the data and survey process that enhance the employee experience, increase the effectiveness of the data, and provide more useful analysis. That said, the team always retains the two most important elements of the survey: trending data, and the confidentiality and anonymity of participants. 

Changes to this year’s Employee Engagement Survey are: 

• Everyone will take the survey electronically 
• Data will be available four weeks sooner, creating more time for action planning 
• Demographic questions are optional, will be more specific, and the option for “prefer not to disclose” has been removed. Instead, people who do not want to answer a question can skip it.  

Read more. 

Addressing stigma: United response to coronavirus 

On Friday, Feb. 7, Executive Dow Constantine joined public health professionals and community leaders in a strong stance against stigma and discrimination that can be exacerbated during global disease outbreaks. Watch the full press conference here.  

We know that protecting health and safety is not only about safety from a virus, it is also about creating communities where people support each other and we all have our basic needs met. 

Public Health – Seattle & King County has launched new resources for our collective community to help address stigma. Right now there are a lot of rumors and misinformation circulating about coronavirus. Check for accurate information at: 

• Public Health Insider website 
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention coronavirus page 
• Public Health – Seattle & King County’s coronavirus webpage 
• Washington State Department of Health’s coronavirus webpage 

Census 2020 coming soon 

Starting March 12, people will receive letters in the mail with instructions on how to complete the 2020 Census, the results of which will be used to inform how funding is distributed for things like schools, affordable housing, hospitals, and public transportation, as well as how many representatives states will have in Congress. 

People will have until July 31 to complete the census online, by mail, or over the phone. The census will not ask if respondents are a citizen, and it is illegal for the census to share information with law enforcement or other agencies—all answers are confidential and used only to produce statistics. 

King County is partnering with community-based organizations, philanthropies, other governments, and stakeholders across the region to support and promote a fair and accurate 2020 Census. Help us get the word out by learning more about the 2020 Census. Because we all count. 

Be safe, plan your trip 

Check out the latest safety video with suggestions on how to be safe when walking to and from your workplace or other destinations. A few of the top tips: 

• Wear clothing and shoes that are comfortable, low profile and appropriate for the weather.    
• Don’t carry too much. Overloading yourself can make you appear vulnerable.   
• If you must carry a purse, carry it close to you.    
• Never carry a wallet in your back pocket. 
• Avoid walking alone.  Walk or travel with a friend.    
• In the downtown core, consider asking Facilities Management Division Security at 206-296-5000 for an escort, particularly during hours of darkness.  

For more information, visit the Safety at work webpage. 

Two weeks away: Buses shift to smoother, more reliable trip when Columbia Street reopens Feb. 22 

With the Alaskan Way Viaduct out of the way, we’re putting the finishing touches on Columbia Street, transforming the street to connect buses between Alaskan Way and Third Avenue – one of the nation’s busiest busways. 

Opening Feb. 22, the new bus connection will be smoother and more reliable, bypassing previous freight train delays in SODO. (View map here.). New bus stops also will be within a block of Washington State Ferries at Colman Dock and the Metro Water Taxi at Pier 50, and buses will now carry riders from the waterfront to the regional public transit network and Link light rail stations in the heart of Downtown Seattle. 

Read more in the official press release.  

Pet of the Week: Georgie 

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC 

Don’t let the scowl fool you – our Pet of the Week Georgie is actually a sweetheart! 

This older tabby girl enjoys chillin’ in her human friends’ laps. Like most cats, Georgie also loves to relax, nap, purr, nap, and then repeat. She used to live in a home with another cat and a dog. She also lived with kids, but wasn’t a good fit there. Georgie can be a little shy around kids and other cats, and would prefer to be the only kitty in her new home. Read more. 

View all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet.