State budget cuts mental health and other services to King County residents, fix needed in next Legislative session
Funding for core Medicaid behavioral health care in King County will be slashed by $18 million next year, according to an analysis released this week by the state Department of Social and Human Services. Revised rates based on the 2017-2018 state operating budget reveal significant cuts to mental health and substance use disorder services. Impacts in King County could be widespread.

King County, City of Seattle and Seattle Foundation announce $2.25 million in emergency funding to provide critical services to immigrants and refugees
Nearly 40 nonprofits successfully competed for a combined $2.25 million in emergency funding from King County, the City of Seattle, and Seattle Foundation to provide critical services to immigrants and refugees and other vulnerable residents whose health, safety, and human rights are at risk.

Executive Constantine: Go simple with $2.75 Metro fare
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced a proposal Wednesday to simplify Metro’s fares, establishing a single $2.75 fare for all adult passengers, no matter the time of day or where they travel in King County. The proposed ordinance also would increase assistance for passengers who earn a lower income.

Metro Transit’s largest union approves 3-year contract to ensure a safe, healthy, well-trained workforce
King County Metro Transit’s largest union has approved a three-year contract that will ensure the agency continues to have a safe, healthy, well-trained workforce.

Executive Constantine has a message for the white supremacists and fascists who gathered under the false pretense of patriotism
King County Executive Dow Constantine today issued the following statement in regard to the gathering today at Westlake Center.

Fred Jarrett to lead initiative on excellence in unincorporated services and municipal contracts
Executive Constantine announced that Senior Deputy Executive Fred Jarrett will lead an initiative to explore new and better ways to serve the people of unincorporated King County.

Executive Constantine to name Mike Fong as Chief Operating Officer
King County Executive Dow Constantine today announced that Mike Fong will serve as Chief Operating Officer, responsible for managing the departments and coordinating key policies among other duties.

Executive Constantine names Rhonda Berry to lead Zero Youth Detention efforts
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced today that Deputy Executive Rhonda Berry will lead inter-agency and community coordination and strategy to further reduce the number of youth in detention.

King County Information Technology named top large county IT organization in the nation
King County Information Technology took first place in the 15th Annual National Association of Counties’ Digital Counties Survey. The award was given out Saturday, July 22, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. King County IT was recognized for its vision, strategy, innovation and collaboration.

Inquest ordered into the fatal shooting of Giovonn M. Joseph-McDade by a Kent police officer
Executive Constantine has ordered an inquest into the fatal shooting of Giovonn M. Joseph-McDade by a Kent police officer on June 24, 2017. The purpose of inquests is to determine the causes and circumstances of any death involving a member of law enforcement within King County while performing his or her duty.

Executive Constantine issues statement on the passing of Jeff Brotman
King County Executive Dow Constantine released the following statement after the passing of Costco co-founder and chairman Jeff Brotman