Voters renew Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy—continuing nearly two decades of successes
King County voters approved the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy for the fourth time, ensuring that veterans, seniors, and resilient communities can continue to access a broad range of programs and services in King County.

King County Metro’s largest union approves 3-year labor contract with higher salaries and expanded training opportunities
King County Metro’s largest union, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587, and its 4,000 employees of transit operators ratified a three-year labor contract that increases wages and sets the foundation for recruiting and maintaining staff now and over the life of the agreement.

Executive Constantine proclaims County as ‘King Félix County’ ahead of Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Félix Hernández
In recognition of Félix Hernández’s induction into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame, Executive Constantine has renamed the County to "King Félix County" to recognize the festivities honoring the franchise star.

Star-studded success: Record ridership days on Sound Transit Link propels region’s public transportation during All-Star Game, Taylor Swift concert weekend
The region’s largest public transportation agencies carried over 1 million riders on light rail, Metro buses, and water taxi service over three high-profile days in July, helping mark a month of record-setting Sound Transit ridership during the recent All-Star Game and Taylor Swift concerts.

King County transformed dilapidated buildings along the Duwamish River into an estuary, providing ideal habitat for young salmon and greenspace for communities
The former site of a run-down hotel along the Duwamish River is now healthy habitat where young salmon can safely transition from freshwater to saltwater on their way to Puget Sound thanks to an innovative project led by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks.

$1.2 million in narcotics blocked by Shoreline Police and King County Sheriff’s Office - keeping nearly 300,000 fentanyl pills off the street
Shoreline Police and the King County Sheriff’s Office conducted an operation that seized more than $1.2 million in narcotics, including 290,000 fentanyl pills, along with fentanyl powder, cocaine, heroin, cash, and stolen firearms.

Executive Constantine statement on Veterans, Seniors, Human Services Levy election results
"I am optimistic about the early results tonight and appreciate the voters’ support for continuing our commitment to the veterans, seniors and resilient communities here in King County."

King County invests $30 million to strengthen behavioral health workforce and increase access to services
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced a workforce investment of $30 million for behavioral health providers in the King County Integrated Care Network. By increasing payments to Medicaid providers, King County will enable behavioral health agencies to increase salaries and help stabilize the workforce.

King County makes historic investment to tackle Racism as a Public Health Crisis with $25 million in grants to more than 120 small businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations
King County has awarded $25 million in grants to nonprofits, community organizations, and small businesses across King County whose work is essential to address Racism as a Public Health Crisis.

Metro says You Belong With Me: Avoid Cruel Summer traffic with extra transit service this weekend for the Eras Tour (Metro’s Version)
‘Tis the season for Transit, and King County Metro and Sound Transit are adding bus, train and water taxi service to help fans travel to and from sold-out Taylor Swift concerts this weekend in Seattle July 22 and 23.

Let transit take you out to the ball game: Ride Metro, Sound Transit, and Kitsap Transit for free July 10-11
King County Metro, in partnership with Sound Transit, Kitsap Transit, and the Seattle Department of Transportation will go fare-free on Monday, July 10 and Tuesday, July 11.

King County celebrates opening of Harbor Island Studios to rebuild local film industry
Executive Constantine, film industry leaders, and community members celebrated the opening of Harbor Island Studios, a new film production facility based in Seattle. The 117,000-square-foot studio is King County’s first major public investment in growing the local film industry and bringing back hundreds of family-wage, creative economy jobs.

King County jails tackle staffing challenges, overdose risks, and other improvements
DAJD has transferred individuals between the downtown jail and the Kent facility to better balance staffing capabilities with the in-custody population, lowering the downtown jail population by one-third and providing improved confinement conditions for jail residents. DAJD is also using new training to prevent overdoses and investing in safety retrofits.

Executive Constantine appoints Shannon Braddock as Deputy Executive
Executive Constantine announced Shannon Braddock as his new Deputy Executive, and Karan Gill as Chief of Staff effective today. Deputy Executive April Putney will depart King County in July. Braddock has worked in the Executive’s office since 2017.

Executive Constantine appoints experienced leader as Director of recently established Climate Office
Executive Constantine appointed Marissa Aho to serve as King County’s first director of the recently established Executive Climate Office. Aho is set to step into the role on July 6.

King County receives Secretary of Defense Freedom Award for support of National Guard and Reserve
The Secretary of Defense honored King County with a 2023 Freedom Award - the highest honor for employers supporting National Guard and Reserve employees.

King County files federal lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers for damage caused by toxic ‘forever chemicals’
King County’s lawsuit against toxic PFAS 'forever chemicals' manufacturers seeks damages for the local impacts caused by past, present, and future contamination that will require treatment or cleanup.

King County invites public comment on draft Comprehensive Plan updates to increase social equity, affordable housing, and climate resilience
King County released draft updates to its Comprehensive Plan – a key policy document guiding how development and growth will happen over the next 20 years. In one of the most substantial updates to date, the plan proposes significant actions to address social equity, affordable housing, and climate change. The comment period is an important time for the public to help shape these policies. It will be open for 45 days, from June 1-July 15, 2023.

King County and Dallas County leaders make charitable wager ahead of Kraken – Stars Game 7
King County Executive Dow Constantine and Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins made a friendly wager to donate $1,000 to local charities in Seattle and Dallas depending on the outcome of tonight’s definitive Game 7 between the Seattle Kraken and the Dallas Stars in the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Grab the hiking boots, leave the car! Trailhead Direct returns May 13
Trailhead Direct – a partnership between King County, the City of Seattle, and Amazon – launches next week, offering easy transit-to-trails service through Labor Day to the areas of Mount Si, Mount Teneriffe, and Little Si.