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.