Executive appoints former White House policy advisor to achieve his goals for shared and sustainable prosperity
Paige Shevlin, who for the past three years served as a special assistant to President Obama, is Executive Constantine’s new economic policy advisor.

15 years after the Nisqually Earthquake, King County prepares for "the big one"
On February 28, 2001, the magnitude 6.8 Nisqually Earthquake shook the Puget Sound region. Fifteen years later, King County Emergency Management is taking action to prepare for a Cascadia megaquake by participating in a multi-state, multi-agency exercise planned for this summer.

Executive proposes installing cameras in all Metro Transit buses
Building on the progress Metro Transit has made to decrease the number of driver assaults, Executive Constantine proposed installing cameras in all Metro buses. He will request funding in the supplemental budget needed to install cameras in 100 percent of Metro’s bus fleet.

King County Archives launches new online search tool
King County Archives, the home of thousands of official documents and photographs, has launched a new online collection search tool at www.kingcounty.gov/archives/search.

King County Metro Transit launches first all-electric battery-powered bus
Metro Transit began testing its first all-electric, battery-powered buses, the latest example of King County taking advantage of the latest clean-energy technology.

2016 property tax statements coming soon, payments due May 2
Property tax statements will be arriving in the mail the week of February 12. King County offers several convenient payment options, including online at www.kingcounty.gov/propertytax. Property tax payments for the first half of 2016 are due on May 2.

Executive awards 41 community grants for playgrounds, farmers markets, youth activities
Farmers markets, playgrounds, movie and music nights, and neighborhood safety events are among the 41 community projects that will be funded through Community Service Area grants announced by King County Executive Dow Constantine. The funds leverage local volunteer efforts by unincorporated area residents working together to make a difference where they live.

Executive thanks Metro GM Kevin Desmond for his service upon being named CEO of Vancouver, BC’s regional transit
King County Executive Dow Constantine thanked Metro Transit General Manager Kevin Desmond for his long service after Desmond was named the chief executive officer of Vancouver, British Columbia’s regional transit system. Desmond has served as general manager since 2004. Deputy GM Rob Gannon will serve as Metro's interim general manager.

Executive takes action to confront homelessness, expand access to affordable housing
King County will increase homeless shelter capacity in South and East King County following today's announcement by Executive Dow Constantine. The actions will create an additional 237 units of affordable housing and provide services that help people succeed once they find a home. This builds on the work he's already done since declaring a state of emergency in November, including tripling the shelter capacity at county-owned buildings in downtown Seattle.

County executives on firing of state transportation secretary Lynn Peterson
King County Executive Dow Constantine and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers issued the following joint statement after the Washington State Senate voted not to confirm Lynn Peterson as the state transportation secretary.

County leaders, UW President propose historic agreement to ensure Harborview remains one of the nation's premier medical centers, expands reach to community-based care
Harborview Medical Center's renowned system of care will be more accessible in community-based clinics under a new agreement reached by King County leaders and the UW President. The agreement - which could last up to 30 years - will ensure that one of the nation's premier county hospitals and trauma centers will remain a leader in the healthcare field and continues to serve those with the greatest needs.