Cut by State in use of local jail beds means $9.4 million less for King County next year
The reduction by the state of Washington in its use of local jail beds will mean fewer inmates in County jails and contribute to a projected $13 million drop next year in revenues that support King County jail operations, requiring 40 or more positions anticipated to be reduced in the proposed jail budget for 2013.

“Pinteresting” items from King County’s history now online
Archives puts dozens of historical photos on Pinterest, more to come

Executive Constantine proposes purchase of Eastside Rail Corridor for trails, rail options
King County Executive Dow Constantine today moved the County one step closer to acquiring nearly 20 miles of the long-sought-after Burlington Northern Eastside Rail Corridor – the future backbone of a world-class regional trail system that also preserves Eastside commuter rail options and supports an array of utility services.

Drop in property taxes for King County Roads over the past four years contributes to further service reduction
In April of this year the state Legislature had the needed votes for bills granting counties the authority to seek desperately-needed transit and road revenues, but at the last hour lawmakers failed to bring those bills to the floor for consideration.

Council Committee acts on Executive’s proposal to refinance bonds at Harborview building to take advantage of lower interest rates
King County would save money for its tenants at the Patricia Bracelin Steel Building on the Harborview Medical Center campus by refinancing the construction debt at a lower interest rate, under a proposal from King County Executive Dow Constantine that was recommended for passage this week by a Metropolitan King County Council committee.

First-ever report documents inequities of place, race and income across King County
King County Executive Dow Constantine today called for a community-wide effort to make King County a place where everyone has access to opportunities and the ability to reach their full potential, upon release of a first-of-its-kind report that reveals inequities of place, race and income across the county.

Keep cool in the summer heat
King County offers safety information and tips to cope with hot weather and danger of wildfires

Executive on Felix Hernandez perfect game
Congratulations to Felix Hernandez on pitching the 23rd perfect game in Major League Baseball history and the first in Seattle Mariners history.

King County Executive Dow Constantine remembers Kathi Goertzen
My heartfelt condolences to Kathi’s family, her friends, and all who welcomed her into their homes through the medium of television.

King County Executive and Ferry District Chair highlight plans in the works to build two new Water Taxi boats
King County Executive Dow Constantine and King County Ferry District Chair Joe McDermott today highlighted work approved last year to design and build two new passenger-only ferries to replace aging vessels now being leased for the two water taxi routes.

County leaders urge accountability for missed Waste Management garbage and recycling pickups
King County Executive Dow Constantine and King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert today urged the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) to conduct a thorough investigation into missed garbage, yard waste and recycling pickups in the unincorporated areas during a recent strike by haulers who work for Waste Management of Washington, Inc.

Elected leaders thank King County voters for passage of Children and Family Justice Center levy
King County leaders this afternoon thanked the voters of King County for approving King County Proposition 1, the Children and Family Justice Center levy, which in the latest tally had a 53.41 percent yes vote.

King County Executive proposes partnership with Vashon Island Fire and Rescue on new rural service center
Facility with co-located services would open in downtown Vashon in spring 2013 if County Council agrees

Executive Constantine hails tentative agreement in recycling and garbage strike
King County Executive Dow Constantine tonight praised the tentative agreement reached in the labor dispute between Waste Management and striking Teamsters Local 117.