Employees must wear masks when working indoors with public or while in public spaces

All Executive Branch employees are required to wear masks when working in indoor spaces that are open to the public and in public spaces, and it is strongly recommended that employees who work in non-public indoor settings wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status, in line with the updated health officer directive for King County and new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As such, King County has updated its mask directives for Executive Branch employees. Click here to learn more. 

Future of Work Executive Summary and Implementation Plan

King County departments are currently implementing Future of Work plans for delivering services and operations in a post-pandemic environment, and you can learn more about the strategy, next steps, and progress metrics in two new documents.

Future of Work plans are guided by our True North and values and draw on the experiences and lessons learned during COVID-19. They also incorporate feedback from employees using a variety of listening mechanisms.

Click here for more information and to get the details on the implementation plan for your department.

Celebrating 31 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which enshrined the civil rights of people with disabilities into law, was signed into law 31 years ago. 

At King County we work every day to break down barriers that keep people from achieving their goals. We’re building a welcoming community where all people can thrive and have equitable opportunities to fully participate in our community and contribute their unique perspectives and talents. 

King County offers many programs and services that support people with disabilities and build a more inclusive community, from specialized access to public transit to Accessible Voting Centers with audio or large print ballots and other assistive devices. In our own workforce, the Supported Employment Program is helping employees with developmental and intellectual disabilities find and succeed in employment opportunities at King County; our Disability Services Program is helping employees with accommodations and resources so they can continue their important work for our community, sometimes in new or adjusted roles.

Watch this short video that highlights some of the County’s work to expand opportunities for people with disabilities. The US Department of Labor is also commemorating three decades of the ADA and has put together a timeline of milestones across the last 31 years.

Tanya Hannah awarded CIO of the Year

King County Chief Information Officer (CIO), Tanya Hannah, has been named the Number 1 nonprofit Chief Information Officer in the nation for 2021 by InspireCIO, an honor she says is due to the excellence of her KCIT team. 

Sound Transit COVID-19 Vaccination Community Event

If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine, or you have a family member or friend who hasn’t, you are invited to get vaccinated at a community vaccination event at Union Station Concourse this Friday, July 30 from 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. The vaccination is free and walk-ins are welcome.

Click here for more information, including QR codes to schedule an appointment. 

Understanding Ableism: Part VII - Celebrate the ADA and Disability Pride!

Part VII of the Understanding Ableism Series will discuss the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act on disability rights. It will also feature an update from King County on their response to the disability community on disability access, equity, and inclusion, including a King County proclamation for Disability Pride Day.

Register below for the webcast or watch on King County TV:

• Thursday, July 29 from 4:30-6 p.m.
• Register here
• King County TV: Comcast channel 22 and 322; Wave channel 22

Seattle and King County Video Voters Guide, 2021 Primary edition

Have you voted in the primary yet? Ballots are due Tuesday, Aug. 3. In this series, you can hear from the candidates themselves speaking about their positions and plans for Seattle and King County.

Click here to watch the Seattle and King County Video Voters Guide 2021 Primary edition. 

Support and processing drop-in groups for BIPOC employees

Balanced You and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) have extended the recurring drop-in sessions for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) employees on the frontline. BIPOC employees who are front-line or involved in the COVID-19 response are invited to join voluntary hour-long group drop-in sessions to process stress, connect with others, and share coping strategies.

• Every Wednesday through Sept. 22 from 12-1 p.m.
• See the Balanced You blog for Zoom log-in details

Balanced You and EAP also offer team-based drop-in groups for employees who are involved in the COVID-19 response and/or are serving as frontline employees during COVID-19. If you and your colleagues are interested in a team-based group for processing and sharing coping skills, email BalancedYou@kingcounty.gov for next steps.

Upcoming Mindfulness Classes

Balanced You partners with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free classes to King County employees. Mindfulness is a practice that can support you in reducing stress, and bringing awareness and compassion to the present moment. All classes are free for King County employees and held on Zoom.

• Mindful Movement: An hour of gentle, guided movement appropriate for all bodies.
  • Wednesday, July 28 from 4–5 p.m.
  • Register here
• Meeting Anxiety with Mindfulness: With a warm, supportive teacher, we'll try some simple practices that help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety.
  • Friday, July 30 from 9–11 a.m. 
  • Register here

See if you’re eligible for a discount on Internet service 

You may qualify for a new program to help save money on your high-speed Internet bill.

In May, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched the Emergency Broadband Benefit — a temporary program to help families and households afford Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.

Eligible households can also receive a onetime discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

Visit GetEmergencyBroadband.org to see if you qualify. You can also check with your internet provider to see if they are participating. Contact the Emergency Broadband Support Center for additional help at EBBHelp@usac.org or 833-511-0311.

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