Equity in Infrastructure: King County signs pledge to support Historically Underutilized Businesses
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Executive Dow Constantine joined Sound Transit, the City of Seattle and other regional transit leaders to sign the Equity in Infrastructure Pledge to improve contracting opportunities for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs). “King County is committed to advancing equity in contracting, and the Equity in Infrastructure Pledge aligns perfectly with our ongoing work to support minority and women-owned businesses,” said King County Executive Constantine. “By amplifying opportunities for historically underutilized businesses, we seek to ensure that everyone has a fair chance to participate in and contribute to our region’s… Read More
Preparing for emergencies in National Preparedness Month
Dear fellow King County employee, King County cares about your safety and well-being and we want to help you stay safe – and keep your family and community safe – in the event of an emergency. September is National Preparedness Month and I want to encourage you to take steps to prepare for a natural disaster or emergency. Our own Office of Emergency Management has training and resources that make preparing easy. Here are three steps you can take to be more prepared: Prepare for an emergency: You can find more… Read More
Increase connections during Suicide Prevention Month
Dear fellow King County employee, National Suicide Prevention Month, recognized during September, is a month to bring awareness to the general public and those who are affected by suicide. Mental health struggles, such as suicidal thoughts, can happen to anyone at any time. Mental health may be especially impacted by the unprecedented levels of loneliness many of us are experiencing. A 2023 Gallup poll indicated that one in five workers worldwide suffer from loneliness. Additionally, the United States Surgeon General issued a report in 2023 stating that our nation was experiencing an… Read More
King County Executive and Sheriff’s Office announce arrests as part of ‘Operation Safe Transit’ initiative
Summary King County Executive Dow Constantine and the King County Sheriff’s Office announced successful arrests as part of “Operation Safe Transit” to combat crime along the key transit corridor in downtown Seattle. Story King County Executive Dow Constantine and the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) announced four arrests as part of a larger public safety initiative to make transit safer, combat crime, and provide behavioral health supports and resources, particularly along the transit corridor in downtown Seattle. The larger initiative, known as “Operation Safe Transit,” was launched by KCSO on May 1… Read More
Executive Constantine unveils new national report to tackle mental health crisis
King County Executive Dow Constantine was in Hillsborough County, Fla. last week to unveil a new report from the National Association of Counties (NACo) aimed at improving mental health outcomes and policies. NACo’s Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing, which Executive Constantine co-chairs, released its final report on Saturday, titled From Crisis to Solutions: Policy Catalysts for Improved Outcomes. It contains recommendations for federal policymakers and county leaders to address the nation’s mental health crisis. “We’ve made substantial progress in promoting our priorities for mental health service and policy reform, but there… Read More
Executive Constantine appoints Leon Richardson as Local Services director, choosing a leader with community connections, programmatic vision, and operational excellence
King County Executive Dow Constantine today appointed Leon Richardson as the new director of the Department of Local Services, selecting a proven leader with operational excellence and strategic vision to lead the department that serves as the local government for the unincorporated areas. Richardson will begin his new position on July 22, and his appointment is subject to confirmation by the King County Council. Interim Director Danielle de Clercq will continue to serve as the department’s deputy director. “Leon Richardson brings a wealth of experience convening and leading people to strive toward… Read More
‘A victory for regional trails, climate, mobility, and opportunity’: Executive Constantine thanks Sen. Murray, Sen. Cantwell for securing funds to help close a key gap for Eastrail
King County Executive Dow Constantine today thanked U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell for securing a $25 million federal grant administrated by the U.S. Department of Transportation that will help King County Parks close the final gap of the southern segment of Eastrail by crossing Interstate 90. King County Parks will use the funds to retrofit a steel bridge that spans 16 lanes of Interstate 90. It is the latest progress for Eastrail, an emerging 42-mile trail that will ultimately connect South and East King County communities to Snohomish County… Read More
Celebrating Pride and the fight for equality
Dear fellow King County employee, This month we celebrate Pride and the fight for equality and equal rights for LGBTQIA+ people, along with the many accomplishments and contributions they have made in our communities here in King County and around the world. It is also a time to reflect on the adversities that LGBTQIA+ people have faced throughout history and their courage in the ongoing struggle against injustice. As you may know, Pride began as a protest against discrimination and police violence, in the form of the Stonewall Uprising in New York… Read More
Recipient of BRG Innovation Award for Cost helped stabilize region’s behavioral healthcare system
A team comprised of employees from the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division, Finance and Compliance Services, and Performance Measurement and Evaluation in the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is the recipient of the 2023 Best-Run Government (BRG) Innovation Award for Cost. The award was one of eight announced by Executive Dow Constantine in a video. The Behavioral Health Medicaid Rate Increase Project Team was instrumental in increasing rates for behavioral health providers, who have been struggling to attract and retain staff at a time when the County seeks to increase access… Read More
Watch 2024 State of the County address on June 11
King County Executive Dow Constantine will deliver his 2024 State of the County address during the King County Council meeting on Tuesday, June 11, and employees are invited to watch the address live from their workspaces. You can watch Executive Constantine’s address streaming live on this webpage and on KCTV Channels 22 and 322 (HD). The Executive’s remarks will begin around 2:30 p.m. Every year, during the State of the County address, Executive Constantine discusses the condition of our County and outlines his priorities to the people of King County. Video and the text of the… Read More
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