Closing tomorrow: Submit nominations for the Executive’s 2024 awards by Feb. 21

The nomination period for the Executive’s Best-Run Government Awards is Jan. 13 through Feb. 21. ​​​​​​​The annual awards honor Executive branch employees and teams for their exceptional contributions in leadership, innovation, and performance. ​​​​​​​Any King County employee can nominate a team or individual for an Innovation or Leadership Excellence Award.

This is an opportunity to recognize outstanding project teams and leaders who:

• Create value for the customer
• Deliver measurable improvement results
• Apply innovative solutions for achieving results

Nominate someone and learn more information here.

Emergency Management regains Crystal Cup

Crossposted from the DES Express

Congratulations to Emergency Management, winner of the year’s coveted Crystal Cup for the 2024 King County Employee Giving Program (EGP). The Crystal Cup is awarded to the division with the highest EGP participation rate in the Department of Executive Services each year.

Emergency Management recaptured the cup from Fleet Services with a 50 percent participation rate. 

“Earning the Crystal Cup takes dedication,” said Lorraine Patterson-Harris, Director of DES. “Winning divisions emphasize engagement over the size of individual contributions, connecting employees with organizations that align with their values. I’m incredibly proud of the many DES employees who have so generously stepped forward to participate.” Read more.

Pictured: Lorraine Patterson-Harris, DES Director, presents the Crystal Cup to Brendan McCluskey, Emergency Management Director, for the highest Employee Giving Campaign participation rate in the department for 2024.

King County Metromance: Coffee, two trolleys, and true love

Crossposted from Metro Matters

Their story begins in back in 2003, when Darryl and Cheryl Estes were both King County Metro operators working out of Atlantic Base in Seattle.

“We were both new trolley operators at the time, and both of us were also new fulltime operators,” recalled Darryl. “We were in the (same) room at the base and had to wait there a long time. At one point as we chatted, I thought ‘maybe she likes me.’ I asked if I could buy her some coffee.”

Cheryl wasn’t too sure at first: He looked, well, a little counter-culture for her tastes.

“It took me a while to say ‘maybe,’” Cheryl said, but she finally agreeing to go grab a coffee with him.

But then, oh no! She canceled that first get-together due to work that came up. But the pair finally rescheduled, and after coffee, decided to go out for real. Read more.

First 2025 Professional Development Scholarship application period ends Feb. 28

The first application period for the 2025 Professional Development Scholarship Program ends at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28. The Scholarship Program is a benefit offered as part of the 2025 Coalition Labor Agreement and is only open to employees represented by one of the unions in the Coalition. 

The Scholarship Program is part of the County’s commitment to Investing in YOU, and is designed to assist eligible employees with their professional development by providing up to $3,000 annually towards obtaining training, certificates, degrees, licenses, and certifications. 

Awardees for this period will be notified via email between March 28 through April 4, 2025. Please check the scholarship website for important dates, scholarship information, and the link to apply.

For questions email ScholarshipFund@kingcounty.gov.

Looking for an in-network dentist near you? 

Oral health is an important part of your overall health. Choosing a dentist you trust and who is conveniently located is essential for maintaining your oral health through preventive health visits. Furthermore, by choosing a dentist and visiting them this year, you may save money on dental care next year! 

King County offers two dental plans to most employees. Visit this page for important details about how the plans work. And read below to learn how to find a dentist that meets your needs. Read more.

Pet of the Week: Valkyrie

I am an eight-year-old female, Boxer/Pitbull dog, brindle and white color, ID# A723144. At 60 lbs. I am considered a large breed dog. I am a huge treat fanatic and will happily "sit" and "shake" for them. My favorite thing to do is run around in the yard and smell all the smells. I am full of energy and love to play. I do best when I have lots of exercise and something to keep my mind busy. I am a spirited dog with a fun-loving personality. I am still working on my manners, so I would do best with a family who is willing to work with me and help me become the best dog I can be. I am also very affectionate and enjoy being pet and loved on.

I am neutered, current on vaccinations, and microchipped. Our adoption comes with many benefits, including 30 days of opt-in pet insurance through Trupanion. You can find out more about me and my other friends on our website at kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. If you have more questions, you can contact RASKC via phone at 206-296-7387 (PETS) or email pets@kingcounty.gov.