Executive Constantine submits $87 million emergency COVID-19 budget for drive-through testing in South King County, housing, and childcare
King County Executive Dow Constantine has transmitted an emergency supplemental budget to the King County Council for the fourth time since the COVID-19 outbreak. The $87 million proposal includes funding for new test sites, housing, and arts organizations.
The $87 million emergency supplemental budget provides funds for one-time investments to help in the health and economy recovery of King County.
Included in the budget is $11 million for at least two drive-through/walk-up testing sites in South and East King County that can provide 500-1,000 tests per day. Public Health – Seattle & King County will also partner with Community Health Centers to add testing sites capable of 200-500 per day in various locations for currently underserved communities. Read more.
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Learn about the proposed 2021-2022 budget
Dwight Dively, Director of the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget, has recorded a short video about the proposed 2021-2022 budget.
In the video, he discusses the uncertainties we’re facing as we plan for the next two years, the budget shortfalls in several funds, and the County’s commitment to investing in anti-racist policies.
“My team in the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget is currently reviewing budget proposals and developing recommendations for the County Executive,” Dwight said. “There are still many unknowns and a lot of work to do between now and late September, when the Executive will submit his proposed budget to the County Council.” Watch the video here.
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Hot weather tips during a pandemic
Crossposted from the Public Health Insider
Beautiful, warmer weather is in the forecast, but we all know this summer looks and feels different. With safety measures in place for COVID, we won’t be able to head to the air-conditioned comfort of movie theaters, malls, or even libraries. Pools, splash parks, and many beaches are closed. In previous summers, some cities have opened air-conditioned community spaces for the public to cool off. They won’t be able to open them this summer because with COVID circulating, it’s too risky to have groups of people close together in an enclosed space. Leave it to COVID to put a dark cloud on a sunny day!
So this summer, we’ll need to take other measures to cool off and be extra attentive to signs of overheating. Read more.
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The pandemic is creating unique challenges for those faced with substance use and mental health disorders, including those in active recovery. Social isolation can heighten symptoms and cravings. Meanwhile connection – the antidote to isolation and a cornerstone of many recovery programs – has changed in the face of social distancing.
Before coronavirus, rooms and facilities in communities across the globe were filled with groups of people offering each other resources, tips, and stories of strength and hope. Now, those groups have been asked to stop meeting in-person, to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Fortunately, many recovery groups and facilities have quickly and successfully pivoted to the virtual landscape, while others have maintained or expanded the online or phone-based services they already provided.
Recovery can and does happen, even during a pandemic. Visit the Balanced You blog to learn what online and phone-based resources are available to support you or your loved ones in beginning, returning to, or maintaining recovery.
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Electric scooter share pilot program
King County has launched a one-year pilot program for shared electric scooters in accordance with Ordinance 18989. We're creating this pilot program to offer new mobility options in the North Highline Urban Unincorporated Area, including White Center. Scooter share programs operate much like bike share programs - anyone can access a scooter using a smartphone app, ride to their destination, and leave the scooter in an appropriate location.
This pilot program will help the County determine whether shared Scooters can support the County's policy goals of:
- Improving first/last mile connections to transit
- Reducing private motor vehicle use and congestion
- Promoting safe travel with this form of transportation
- Improving pedestrian safety, accessibility, and convenience for people of all ages and abilities
- Providing equitable transportation services, and
- Reducing air pollution, including climate pollution.
Find out more.
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Free Webinar for employees: Planning for College 101
The costs of attending college continue to increase, so planning is imperative. This one-hour webinar, provided by My Secure Advantage (MSA), will review different types of college savings accounts, the FAFSA financial aid process, scholarships, grants, and loans. Participants will leave this class better prepared to establish and fund their college savings goals.
Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020 | 9 a.m. & noon | Register Here.
Note: If you register and cannot attend, a recording of the webinar, along with a copy of the session presentation and handouts, will automatically be sent within 24 hours.
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Check out the KCIT Training Hub
King County Information Technology (KCIT) is now offering online trainings for employees – wherever they may be.
KCIT understands that as employees adapt to working from home, they are being asked to use new and changing technologies. The KCIT Training Team wants to support each employee to feel confident in their new, remote work environment. The “Training Hub” provides on-demand, self-guided technology trainings when and where employees need them most.
Employees are encouraged to explore the KCIT Training Hub by:
For more information about the KCIT Training Hub or available webinars, contact the KCIT Technical Training Team at KCITTrainingHub@kingcounty.gov. Note that these webinars are open to other Vitalyst customers, and as such are not adapted specifically to King County best practices.
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Training Spotlight: Brain-based Time Management online training, August 20
Do you procrastinate, get distracted, have a hard time prioritizing, or feel overwhelmed? What we do and how we do it are driven by how our brains are wired. Neuroscience tells us we have 10 brain skills and each one of us has skills that are strong (and skills that are not strong).
In this class, you’ll hear about each of these skills so you can identify where the weak areas are for you and most importantly, learn what you can do about it. Imagine finishing your workday with confidence that you remembered and handled everything you needed to!
Tech Tip: Become a Teams Pro—take a free King County webinar, multiple dates
Microsoft Teams webinars are now available multiple dates through Sept. 9, and include classes such as Getting Started with Teams, Collaboration Across Office 365, and others.
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Learn more and register here. Please note, this link will not open in Internet Explorer. If you are using Internet Explorer, copy and paste the link into a different browser.
Teams Pro tip of the day: Did you know that you can send emails directly to your Teams channel?
- Click on the three dots next a channel
- Click Get email address
- Copy the address and paste into “To” on your email.
Learn more tips and tricks like this one in a Teams webinar, or if a self-guided, self-paced training is more your style, check out the King County Getting Started with Teams skill track in the KCIT Training Hub.
For more information about the KCIT Training Hub or available webinars, contact the KCIT Technical Training Team at KCITTrainingHub@kingcounty.gov.
Pet of the Week: Liza Jane
Hi! My name is Liza Jane and I am available for adoption. I am an 8 ½ year old Scottish Fold, which is why my ears are flattened. I am an independent and reserved kitty who likes to do my own thing! I am a bit overweight and the staff at the shelter call me a big squishy marshmallow! I prefer to be in hiding spots, and will feel much more relaxed if you provide me some small and cozy spaces for me.
Read more and view all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Have you or someone you know adopted a pet from RASKC? Let us know. We’d love to tell your story.
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Featured Job: Administrative Specialist III
Salary: $25.37 - $32.16 Hourly
Location: Seattle, WA
Job Type: Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT)
Department: DPH - Public Health
Job Number: 2020ML11970
Closing: 8/31/2020 11:59 PM Pacific
Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
KC Headlines
Building on momentum: King County and partners transport more kokanee salmon to Orcas Island hatchery after first group thrives
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