Written by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. As I have said many times before, there is nothing like seeing things firsthand. And sometimes that goes for smelling them, too. How do we know how long our landfill will last? How do we help our community change some long-established habits? How effective are our recycling programs? How would […]
Finding the road to recovery
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. I would guess nearly all of us have had a family member or friend who have faced a substance or behavioral health challenge. Helping them face the challenge and hopefully get well is difficult. But the consequences of not addressing it can be devastating. That’s why I turned to one of […]
¡vamos a celebrar!
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. Because Hispanic Heritage Month began this week I’ve asked Joy Sauer, the chair of the Juntos Employee Resource Group, to share with you a little bit of her personal story. I am sure, like me, you will be thankful she agreed. Written by Joy Sauer, Civil Engineer 2, Planning and […]
When is summer over?
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. Technically the summer ends with the autumnal equinox on September 22. But when I talk to people, I get very different answers. For some, it ends on Labor Day weekend. For others, it hinges on when their kids go back to school. Some are excited for the beginning of the […]
Celebrating excellence
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. As Executive, I have several celebrations that I really look forward to each year. The list is long and includes New Employee Orientations and Sheriff’s Department Commissioning Ceremonies; our Volunteer Recognition event; our Job Fair; ribbon cuttings; and more! But no list would be complete without including the Employee Incentive […]
Recovering
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. Taking care of Puget Sound and our rivers and streams is critically important for many reasons. Our waterways are spectacularly beautiful and a vital part of our natural environment and heritage. But they also are important economically, recreationally, and provide crucial habitat for fish, orcas…..and bugs! I found out how […]
Are you thinking what I’m thinking?
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. When we think about diversity, equity, and inclusion, we often consider aspects such as a person’s age, race, gender, or veteran status. However, there are many more elements to our lives that make us distinct. Take neurodiversity, for example. It’s a word that has become more common as we work […]
A daunting challenge
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. “Solving” chronic homelessness is hard and defies easy answers – that is why we need to be smart and invest in proven solutions that get results. When I discuss chronic homelessness, I am referring to the people who are trapped living on our streets in squalor, many with untreated mental […]
Taking a chance
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. 2024 has been a year of international turmoil and uncertainty. We are witnessing wars being waged in many places, elections in major international countries, with some elections considered a sham. I am thankful to live in our country where we decide our leaders with ballots and not bullets – the […]