King County and partners surpass goal of planting one million trees, achieving a major milestone for climate action one year early
King County Executive Dow Constantine today thanked the partners, volunteers, and employees who surpassed the goal to plant one million trees throughout the region nearly a year ahead of schedule, achieving a major milestone for the county’s Strategic Climate Action Plan.
Executive Constantine in August will send the King County Council his proposal for the 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan, which will include a 3 Million Trees initiative that will maintain the accelerated pace for tree planting, protect forests and natural areas before they are lost forever, and prepare native forests for the impacts of climate change.
“In King County, we don’t just set ambitious goals to confront climate change – we create strong partnerships and mobilize volunteers to surpass them ahead of schedule,” said Executive Constantine. “We will build on this successful model to promote healthy, resilient forests for cleaner air and water, healthier habitat, and more tree cover in underserved communities.”
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Updated guidance for mandatory telecommuting (updated July 28, 2020)
On July 28, 2020, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced that he is extending mandatory telecommuting through Jan. 8, 2021, for all Executive Branch employees who are currently telecommuting, except where there is an operational need to physically return to the workplace. The King County Council, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, King County Elections, and the Department of Assessments have also mandated telecommuting for their employees through Jan. 8, where appropriate. Employees in other branches of County government (definitions below) may receive additional guidance from their leaders. Read more.
Consider donating to the Emergency Leave Program
The Emergency Leave Donation Program was developed so that King County employees who have been affected by COVID-19 can request donated leave. When the program debuted, many employees generously donated personal leave to support their colleagues. Now, the program is asking employees to again consider donating personal leave to the program, as the paid leave available is running low.
Employees interested in supporting colleagues affected by COVID-19 can donate accrued sick and vacation leave in two different ways:
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August Primary Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 4
King County Elections (KCE) mailed out ballots to over 1.3 million voters. If you have not received your ballot, you can access and print your ballot online and return it by mail or drop box, as you usually would.
There is a long list of important races on the Primary ballot this year, 52 offices to be exact. Drop your ballot in one of the 69 drop box locations across the county by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4; drop it in the mail to be postmarked by Aug. 4; or visit a Vote Center.
Vacation to rest, relax, and recharge
Often when we think of vacation, we think of traveling. With travel restricted right now, it might be tempting to conclude that we don’t need to take a vacation from work. This might feel especially true if your favorite or dream holiday destination is temporarily off limits.
A vacation from work allows the body and mind to rest. It allows us to pursue other activities and think about things unrelated to our jobs and careers. We can focus on our family, share laughter with friends, and devote energy toward our communities. And we can prioritize self-care. Studies show that taking time off reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, insomnia, and fatigue. Read more.
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FMD security officers step up to the challenges
As COVID-19 unfolded, the Facilities Management Division developed a strategy to manage changing security needs in the county.
The county originally contracted out security to help secure about 18 locations that were set up quickly in the pandemic, including Isolation and Quarantine sites, Assessment Centers/Recovery Centers, de-intensification sites for the homeless, and other COVID-related sites. Read more.
Reminder: How to keep your cool when working
It’s finally feeling like summer! A wave of days over 80 degrees, perhaps into the 90s, are in the forecast next week. But things are different this year with COVID-19. Going to a movie theater, a mall, or the library to cool off after work aren’t possible for most of us in King County in this phase of the state’s Safe Start reopening plan. Remember to let safety be your guide. Check with your supervisor or manager for specific information or directions related to your job.
Tips from Public Health specific to COVID and heat:
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COVID-19 risk adds an additional concern during hot weather. Unlike the flu, hot weather does not decrease the transmission of COVID-19.
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Cities will not be able to set up cooling centers this summer with the increase in COVID-19 spread.
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Featured Job: Nutrition Assistant (C9A : PTE L17-DPH, DCHS-Health Prof)
Salary: $23.07 - $29.25 Hourly
Location: Various Locations throughout King County, WA
Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Department: DPH - Public Health
Division: Community Health Services
Closing: 8/10/2020 11:59 PM Pacific
KC Headlines
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