• Increased security: Boosting security in the courthouse and other King County buildings
• Employee-only restrooms: Some restrooms are being designated for employees only and can only be accessed with a keycard or code
• Security escort program: Upon request, the County provides security in downtown Seattle for individuals moving between their workplace and their commute. Information is available on our “Staying Safe at Work” webpage.
• Security analysis: The County is working with a security consultant to undertake a security audit of the downtown campus and to recommend further improvements.

Click here for more details. 

Metro provides many options for safely commuting to and from work

King County Metro provides many public transportation options that can connect people directly with worksites within the Civic Campus. For those returning to transit, information about our safety measures and how to ride can be found on our “A healthier Metro is here” webpage. In addition, King County’s Employee Transportation Program (ETP)  provides resources and benefits to support King County employees with using transit, Vanpools, walkpools, and other non-drive alone options for getting to and from work.

Choosing Transit

During the peak commute, Link light rail operates through the downtown transit tunnel every 6 minutes. To transport people between the Civic Campus and the International District Station or Amtrak/Sounder Station, buses operate on 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Avenues with service coming every 3 to 5 minutes.

For more information on commuting, click here. 

Safety and security onboard Metro services

While fare enforcement on Metro services has been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, security officers continue to ride services that have the highest rates of non-compliance with Metro’s code of conduct seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Security officers’ presence and interaction with customers aims to encourage and support compliance with the code of conduct and serves as a deterrent. Their practice is to get on and off buses frequently, so they spread themselves out across coaches and routes to maximize their visibility. Officers prioritize service areas with higher instances of customer safety-related complaints.

For emergencies, customers should call 911. Riders can also contact Metro Transit Police 24/7 at 206-296-3311. Additional information is available on Metro’s “Safety and Security” webpage..

Recent surge in COVID-19 cases increases need for testing

Cross-posted by Public Health Insider

With more than 80% of all eligible residents in King County having received at least one vaccine dose, we have come a long way in slowing the spread of COVID-19. But with the rapid spread of the Delta variant and cases rising steadily in the last month, we are not in the clear and COVID-19 will be with us for the foreseeable future. 

To find out why early testing is essential and where you can get tested, click here. 

Executive Constantine statement on Best Starts for Kids levy renewal

King County Executive Dow Constantine released a statement on the Best Starts for Kids levy renewal election results after King County Elections posted that it was passing with 58% percent of the vote in early returns.

Read the full announcement here. 

Increased mobility options arrive with expanded Via to Transit

A future of better connections to frequent transit service and improved mobility for people who live and work in Rainier Beach, Skyway, Tukwila, and Renton arrives Tuesday, August 10 with the expansion of Via to Transit.

Via to Transit is an on-demand pilot service connecting riders to and from select hubs in their community. People who live, work, or go to school within the specified service areas can download the Via app or call 206-258-7739 and request a ride from Via to Transit to connect to buses and trains or get to select community hubs like grocery stores, parks, libraries, healthcare, and more.

Read more about this program here. 

Questions about the WA Cares Fund long-term care program?

Beginning next year, a mandatory payroll deduction will be imposed on all Washington employee wages to fund a statewide long-term care insurance benefit called the WA Cares Fund.

The state is offering live webinar sessions in August and September to help you learn more about the WA Cares Fund and get your questions answered. Registration is not required.

Click here to read a summary about the plan and information about the webinars. 

Helping our community Revive & Thrive Together

As King County recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re working together across departments to ensure our community can revive and thrive together in the future.

On May 25, the King County Council passed Executive Dow Constantine’s seventh COVID-19 supplemental budget, funded in part by the American Rescue Plan. 

As part of the rollout, the Executive’s Office worked with KCIT’s Design & Civic Engagement team to create the “Revive & Thrive Together” campaign and visual brand to ensure residents see a unified effort across county departments.

Read more here about the campaign and how you can incorporate it into your work.

UW football: The University of Washington is offering discounted tickets to three Local Government Appreciation Games. 

• UW vs. Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 18 at 1:15 p.m.
• UW vs. California, Saturday, Sept. 25, time TBD
• UW vs. UCLA, Saturday, Oct. 16, time TBD.

To access the UW football game discount, visit this link here. 

Click here for more information about these discounts.. See all available employee discounts at www.kingcounty.gov/employeediscounts. 

Transition Debriefing Groups offered to support COVID-19 responders

Many King County employees who are COVID-19 responders have experienced or are currently experiencing transitions out of their response role.

To support King County employees in transition, Balanced You is partnering with the Employee Assistance Program to provide Transition Debriefing Groups for employees who are currently or previously involved in the COVID-19 response.

In these groups, you will connect with others to share experiences, strategies, and resources for moving through response transitions in a way that honors your emotional well-being. 

• Monday, Aug. 9 and Friday, Aug.13 from 12:00-1:00 p.m.
• View login details here

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.

Meeting Anxiety with Mindfulness. With a warm, supportive teacher, we'll try some simple practices that help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety.

• Tuesday, Aug. 10 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Register here

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

• Monday, Aug. 16 from 1-3  p.m. 
• Register here

See the full Mindfulness class schedule here.

Pet of the Week: Duke

Hi, my name is Duke!  I'm a 13-month old male Rodesian Ridgeback and German Shepherd mix, about 85 pounds.  I've been described as energetic and well trained. At the shelter, I am practicing how to "sit", "stay", "come", "down", and "heel". I am an affectionate pet and would be thrilled to play with you at home!  

You can find out more about me and my other friends on our website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet.  Note that RASKC has moved to adoptions by appointment only.  If you have more questions, you can contact RASKC via phone at 206-296-7387 (PETS) or email pets@kingcounty.gov.

PPM II - Provider Relations