Executive Constantine proclaims 2024 Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
Latinx Heritage Month is celebrated every year from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed this time as Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month in King County. This month recognizes the anniversary of 1821 independence declarations in five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile, and Belize also celebrate their independence on Sept. 16, Sept. 18, and Sept. 21, respectively. “The cultural, educational, economic, and political influences of Latinx residents can be appreciated in all aspects of life,” he said. “I urge all… Read More
King County ranked in the top 20 in the U.S. for equitable ARPA spending
By Michael Jacobson, Deputy Director, Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget A new multiyear study conducted by the Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy (the Institute) at The New School identified King County as a national leader in investing federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 to advance equity. King County scored in the top 20 of 170 U.S. cities and counties evaluated by the Institute’s Budget Equity Project, which examined how local governments across the U.S. are investing flexible recovery funds from ARPA to support racial… Read More
Matt Sanders Appointed Interim Director for the King County Department of Public Defense
Last week, DPD Director Anita Khandelwal tendered her resignation to Executive Constantine, effective October 4. Matt Sanders, who has led DPD’s Associated Counsel for the Accused, (ACA), Division as its Managing Attorney for the last two years. He was appointed to serve as Interim Director while the Executive’s Office conducts a national recruitment for a permanent Director of the Department of Public Defense. “I am energized by the opportunity to work with each of you in this new role and to continue the outstanding work we do every day,” Sanders said… Read More
Five things our interns taught us this summer
Every summer, the Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget (PSB) invites a group of bright, eager students to spend 10-12 weeks with us as part of our public service internship program. These PSB interns gain hands-on experience, participate in professional development opportunities, and get a real chance to make an impact in their communities. In return, they bring fresh perspectives that help us see our work through a new lens. This summer was no different. Here are the top five things they taught us: 1. Enthusiasm is contagious (and necessary) There’s nothing… Read More
New RapidRide G Line celebrates start of service, Sept. 14
Employees are invited to celebrate the official start of the G Line service on Sept. 14. This is a community event that will have informational booths, entertainment, food, and a G-Line five-door bus on display. Attendees will also be able to enjoy refreshments, grab some swag, shop at local businesses, and sign up for an ORCA card. Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The celebration will be held on 19th Ave. between E. Pine and E. Madison St. This location carries the honorary designation of “Rev. Dr. S. McKinney Ave.,”… Read More
New report release: “Early Learning Facilities: Investing in Spaces Where Children can Thrive”
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections The Early Learning Facilities investment that funds improvements to family- and center-based child care facilities, released a report highlighting 2023 accomplishments. Read that report here! The investment from King County’s Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account (PSTAA) directs Sound Transit 3-related funds to be used to improve educational outcomes. Read more.
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
Counting down: New RapidRide G Line and more King County Metro bus service begins Sept. 14
Crossposted from Metro Matters Starting Saturday, Sept. 14, King County Metro is expanding evening and weekend transit service and launching its eighth RapidRide – the G Line – which will provide fast and frequent service through downtown Seattle, First Hill, Capitol Hill, the Central District, and Madison Valley. The RapidRide G Line project and Sound Transit’s Link 1 Line expansion north to four new stations represent more than $3.1 billion in public transportation investments. Along with enhanced bus service upgrades, these new services will strengthen rider connections and expand the transit network…. Read More
DCHS shares video highlighting Crisis Connections
King County offers crisis services, and it all starts with making sure people have someone to call when they are experiencing a mental health or substance use related crisis. In honor of 988 Day and National Suicide Prevention Month, the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) wants to make sure everyone feels comfortable making that call or text to 988 or the regional crisis line. Staff at Crisis Connections are always available to answer, talk, listen, and offer support. View the video below. Learn more about Crisis Connections at https://www.crisisconnections.org and… Read More
Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month with Nuestra Tierra/Our Land
King County Superior Court will celebrate Latinx Heritage Month with lunchtime events at the King County Courthouse in Seattle and the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. Nuestra Tierra (Our Land) will feature food (including tamales from La Huerta Mexican and Latin Market in Kent) a panel discussion, guest speakers, mariachi music, and dancers. It will take place at noon on September 20 in Jury Room 2E at the Maleng Regional Justice Center, 401 4th Avenue North, Kent, and at noon on September 27 in the Presiding Courtroom (E-942) at the King County Courthouse, 516… Read More
Employee News 