Celebrating 2023 National Disability Employment Awareness Month

In October King County celebrates the contributions made by people with disabilities, and how disabilities, both visible and non-apparent, enhance our workforce, our communities, and our country.

King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci honored the contributions of individuals with disabilities by proclaiming October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). 

On Oct. 10, during hybrid King County Council meeting, Councilmember Claudia Balducci read the proclamation and provided additional personal insights.

Thank you to the King County Council and Executive Dow Constantine for recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month as a time to honor the invaluable contributions of individuals with disabilities in King County. Nationally, 13% of the U.S. population, or 42.5 million Americans, identify as having a disability and many of us know someone in our personal lives with a disability. Read more.

Pictured: From left to right, King County Council Chair Dave Upthegrove, Central Employee Services Division (CESD) Deputy Director Peter Hu, CESD Disability Services Manager Erin McPhee, and Councilmembers Reagan Dunn, Sarah Perry, Peter von Reichbauer, and Jeanne Kohl-Welles.   

Going all the places: Celebrating the first year of the Free Youth Transit Pass at Metro

Crossposted from Metro Matters

With free fare for those 18 and under, youth have unlocked the freedom to Go All the Places, and Do All the Things!

We’re proud to share with you the positive response from youth and community, one year into Free Youth Transit Pass. Youth can ride for free by using a Youth ORCA card, showing a student ID, or just getting on board on transit systems across the region. Read more.

Andrew Cronholm helps drive Fleet as new Deputy Director

Crossposted from the DES Express

Earlier this month, Andrew Cronholm joined Fleet Services as Deputy Director. He started part time on Oct. 2 while transitioning from his role in the Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget (PSB). He officially began full time in Fleet on Oct. 9. Read more.

Attend an Open Enrollment info session or benefits fair

Open Enrollment education sessions

Open Enrollment for next year’s benefits is coming up, Nov. 1-15. Get a head start on understanding your 2024 benefit choices by attending an online information session or a benefits fair hosted by your Benefits team.

Register for an Open Enrollment information session to:

• Learn more about your 2024 benefit choices.
• See what’s changing next year.
• Discover why it’s important that you participate in Open Enrollment.
• Ask questions.

Read more.

Annual Giving Drive: Reasons 11-13 to give

The Employee Giving Program provides thousands of ways to make a difference all through one program. During the Annual Giving Drive, King County employes have access to a wide breadth of different causes. We have spotlighted a number of organizations that represent this diversity of causes and missions. Organizations that are committed to keeping our regions natural ecosystems healthy and thriving. LGBTQ+ led organizations that create safe spaces and work for LGBTQ+ rights. Organizations that offer support and solutions for victims of domestic violence. Read more to learn about each nonprofit.

You can find more EGP participating nonprofit organizations online or in the 2023 King County EGP Nonprofit Giving Guide.

You can make your campaign pledge here. Pledge today!

Commuting employees, get ready to be seen, be safe, and keep moving this winter

King County partners at Commute Seattle will be hosting the annual Light Up Your Trip event in Occidental Square on Nov. 8.

The event provides beneficial information about active transportation and safe walking, biking, riding, and rolling practices during darker months of the year. Join fellow commuting employees for free safety gear, demo rides from e-bike and e-scooter providers, fun giveaways, and food.

• Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 3 to 5 p.m. in Occidental Square, 117 S Washington St. Seattle, WA 98104

King County wants all commuting employees to be visible and be safe. Contact the Employee Transportation Program with questions about this event or any of your King County employee commuter benefits. Visit www.kingcounty.gov/ETP for more information.

Employee notice about the KC Employee ID/ORCA pass

King County employee ORCA passes will automatically renew at the start of the new year and employees should disregard the expiration alert when tapping for use on transit.

For questions or concerns, please reach out to the Employee Transportation Program coordinator at ETP@kingcounty.gov.

It’s a whale of a job replacing the membrane filters at Brightwater Treatment Plant

Crossposted from Clean Water Stories

What do whales and wastewater treatment have in common? A visit to Brightwater Treatment Plant in Woodinville explains it all.

Inside the wastewater treatment plant, giant baleen-like filters are on rare display as King County Wastewater Treatment Division staff begin replacing the plant’s 48 membrane-filtration modules. Brightwater’s state-of-the-art membrane filtration system filters out bacteria and viruses from wastewater – much like whale baleen – as a last step in cleaning water before it’s piped to Puget Sound.

This is the first time Brightwater is replacing its membrane modules since the plant came online in 2011 to serve various Eastside towns. The work will stretch for three years and won’t be replaced again for another 10 to 20 years. Read more.

Vehicle Maintenance Community Connection for women, binary, and non-binary folks seeking VM members

The King County Vehicle Maintenance Community Connection (VMCC) group is building community among the women, trans women, and nonbinary people in Metro Transit’s Vehicle Maintenance (VM) Division.  

The mission is to build a sustainable and structured support group where measurable outcomes build community and connection among the women in VM. The group seeks to understand what it would take to support the current women in VM, and prepare to support future women hired into VM. The group also provides education about the resources available for personal and professional growth. Together, members in the group develop a sustainable, positive workplace culture built on equity and diversity within VM, and foster a safe confidential space of sisterhood to share, grow and support one another over time. The VMCC also partners with other King County groups and departments to achieve this vision.

Join the VMCC in our upcoming pilot meetings for a place to belong:

• Monday, Nov. 6, from 9 to 10:50 a.m. (morning session) at Ryerson Base, second floor classroom
• Thursday, Nov. 16 from 9 to 10:50 p.m. (evening session) at Atlantic/Central, second floor classroom

For more information and special accommodations, please contact Margaret Brubaker at Margaret.Brubaker@kingcounty.gov or Stephanie Richardson at SRichardson@kingcounty.gov.

Pet of the Week: Carter

Hi, my name is Carter and I am available for adoption. I am a two-year-old, one-month male dog, Boxer/Pit Bull mix, Brindle (ID #A695054). At 60 lbs. I am considered a large breed dog. I am an affectionate lovebug who would be thrilled to cuddle up with you at home. I am also full of energy and love to play. I tend to calm down more when the people around me stay calm. I do best when I have lot of exercise and something to keep my mind busy. I have a red personality. I am a spirited dog with a fun-loving personality. I am still working on my manners, so I would do best in a home with older children and with a family who is willing to work with me and help me become the best dog I can be.

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