Recent Executive Office press releases

Executive Constantine on I-5 bridge collapse at Skagit River  Learn more...

Officer died in off-duty accident  Learn more...

"Today’s NBA vote is disappointing. I’ve gotten to know Chris Hansen and he’s a patient, determined man who is in it for the long run."  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine commented on this afternoon’s news that Chris Hansen and his investor group are committing $75 million additional dollars to their purchase proposal.  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine and The Trust for Public Land today announced the signing of a conditional agreement that seeks to purchase 216 acres of land on Squak Mountain near Issaquah.  Learn more...

Gov. Inslee appoints judge to King County Superior Court position  Learn more...

Executive Constantine makes announcement on 50th anniversary of Whittaker’s Mt. Everest climb; new signage to be unveiled  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine today celebrated the beginning of the nomination period for the 2013 Executive’s Small Business Awards at the West Seattle location of last year’s winner, Easy Street Records.  Learn more...

I’m disappointed, but undeterred in our quest to bring NBA basketball back to the Pacific Northwest.   Learn more...

"I thank Julia Patterson for her commitment to public service, and I wish her all the best."  Learn more...

This Earth Day, King County honored a dozen of the leading businesses, organizations and individuals for their commitment to protecting the natural environment, teaching environmental stewardship in their community, or advocating for preservation and conservation.   Learn more...

Today Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, King County Executive Dow Constantine and Port of Seattle Commission President Tom Albro announced a deal to construct new park space at Smith Cove and improve water quality in Elliott Bay.   Learn more...

Shelter locations offering beds for 215 individuals originally slated to close on April 15 will remain open for two more months, offering a warm and safe place for men and women needing emergency shelter overnight. In partnership with the City of Seattle, King County announced that it will extend its 100 winter shelter beds at the King County Administration Building through June 15, 2013. The City of Seattle will extend 75 emergency shelter beds at City Hall and the winter shelter beds at Angeline's Women's winter shelter through June 15.   Learn more...

King County offers secure and efficient online payment system  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine today ordered an inquest into the fatal police shooting of Jack Sun Keewatinawin on February 26, 2013.  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine commented on this afternoon’s ruling in the dismissal of a lawsuit brought against the City and the County regarding I-91 and the proposed Sonics Arena  Learn more...

Service also reduced on another 86 routes unless state enacts funding authority  Learn more...

Longtime civic leader dies of brain cancer at age 66  Learn more...

Today, King County Executive Dow Constantine transmitted an ordinance to the King County Council that would reauthorize funding, with voter approval, for the world-class King County Medic One/EMS system for the next six years.   Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine today said he has reached an agreement to permanently protect the 43,000 acres of the White River Forest east of Enumclaw from development.  Learn more...

Emergency planners and community providers from King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties gather to share tools and develop processes for serving those most in need  Learn more...

Federal homeless assistance funds totaling more than $21.2 million have been awarded to the City of Seattle and King County for 2013-2014, making it possible to continue to provide a range of housing and supportive services for individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.  Learn more...

Performance management strategist recognized for leadership  Learn more...

Dolan agreement confirms transition of public defenders to County employment, with retirement and benefits  Learn more...

Washington state has lost a great leader, and its people have lost a great friend with the passing of Governor Booth Gardner.  Learn more...

"Without the authority for local transportation funding, Washington will lose our hard-earned economic advantage," says King County Executive Dow Constantine  Learn more...

Fact-finding hearing is routine to determine causes and circumstances of any death involving a member of law enforcement while in performance of duties  Learn more...

"King County saves money, saves lives," says magazine in awarding its 2013 Leaders in Health Care award for best Wellness Program  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine today welcomed release of the Superfund cleanup proposal from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a means of sparking discussion about the cleanup process, and he urged people to get involved in shaping a final plan  Learn more...

County and city remain "committed to carrying out our regulatory responsibilities and the required review of the project under the State Environmental Policy Act"  Learn more...

Acting upon recommendations from a citizen task force, King County Executive Dow Constantine today sent the King County Council a proposed a six-year, $360 million Parks Levy for the August primary that would enable voters to replace two parks levies that will expire at the end of this year.  Learn more...

Proposal would implement transition of private-agency employees to public employment, as mandated under State Supreme Court ruling and tentative legal settlement  Learn more...

“Culture of coverage” aimed at full enrollment of uninsured who become eligible for subsidized healthcare coverage under the Affordable Care Act  Learn more...

Federal coordination will aid regional outreach to King County’s 127,000 veterans and military personnel  Learn more...

“I congratulate Councilmember Rod Dembowski on his appointment as the new representative of King County Council District One."  Learn more...

“President Obama has made a wise decision in looking to our deep pool of talent in the Pacific Northwest, and nominating Sally Jewell as our next Secretary of the Interior."  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine today initiated a countywide effort to make the most of federal healthcare reform and enroll 180,000 uninsured King County residents into affordable healthcare coverage.  Learn more...

King County has reached its goal of getting half of the energy it needs for operations from renewable energy sources, said King County Executive Dow Constantine today in his 2013 State of the County address.   Learn more...

Four of every ten veterans say they have little or no understanding of their benefits or how to access them. Increasing knowledge of those benefits, facilitating access to those services, and improving coordination across service systems are the goals of a new Regional Veterans Initiative unveiled today by King County Executive Dow Constantine.  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine today signed an executive order directing Public Health – Seattle & King County to develop innovative, data-driven local strategies for preventing gun violence in King County.  Learn more...

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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. remembered at annual event  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine today applauded President Obama’s announcement of new measures and proposals to prevent gun violence:   Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine today submitted three names to the Metropolitan King County Council for consideration to fill the vacancy left by the election of Councilmember Bob Ferguson as state Attorney General.  Learn more...

King County today launched a countywide campaign to raise awareness of the problem of human trafficking in our community. The campaign includes ads on 200 Metro buses that will begin to appear on Friday, a public service announcement, and a program to train key County staff to recognize and respond to human trafficking situations.  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, Seattle Police Deputy Chief Nick Metz, Dr. David Fleming of Public Health – Seattle & King County, Renee Hopkins of the Seattle Police Foundation, and Reverend Aaron Williams of Seattle’s Mount Zion Baptist Church today announced a new Gun Safety Initiative, including a gun buyback program. Former Seattle mayors Greg Nickels, Norm Rice, Charles Royer and Wes Uhlman are serving as co-chairs of the program.   Learn more...

Via webcam, the two wager local coffees and the wearing of the winner’s jersey; Constantine to travel east for game as guest of the host county  Learn more...

A field of 13 applicants for a pending vacancy on the Metropolitan King County Council was narrowed to five last night by a citizen panel convened by King County Executive Dow Constantine, who will decide on three names to transmit to the Council for the appointment.  Learn more...

King County and attorneys for the class today announced they have reached a tentative settlement in the Dolan v. King County class action lawsuit. The lawsuit involves claims against King County on behalf of the current and former attorneys and staff of the non-profit agencies that provide its public defense services. The settlement comes after a ruling earlier this year from the Washington Supreme Court requiring King County to enroll class members for pension benefits in the Washington Public Employees Retirement System.  Learn more...

1,001 licenses issued since marriage equality became law on Dec. 6  Learn more...

FCC proposal calls for nationwide implementation of 9-1-1 texting by all wireless carriers by May 2014  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine has directed that flags at all King County facilities be lowered to half-staff, following proclamations from the President and the Governor, for the victims of today’s tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut.   Learn more...

Top credit scores and low market rates help save taxpayers money  Learn more...

Testimony of King County Executive Dow Constantine on the proposed Cherry Point coal export terminal EIS  Learn more...

“Congratulations to the Port of Seattle and Hanjin Shipping for reaching an agreement that will keep jobs in our region for the coming decade. Having an active cargo terminal is in the best interest of our local economy, and I am pleased they were able to reach an agreement that creates long-term stability.”  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and Downtown Seattle Association President and CEO Kate Joncas today signed a landmark Memorandum of Agreement, calling for a series of improvements to the Third Avenue corridor to support Seattle’s strengths, address its challenges and work collaboratively with the community to continue building a great place downtown.  Learn more...

King County issues 623 marriage licenses in the 3 days since a marriage equality law went into effect. The first wedding of a same-sex couple takes place Sunday at 12:01 a.m. at the King County Courthouse in downtown Seattle.  Learn more...

71 marriage licenses issued on Friday, special hours wrap up on Saturday  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine today named a 13-member panel to help evaluate applicants for appointment to the seat being vacated by King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson.  Learn more...

On December 6, after 18 and a half hours, the county issued 489 licenses in a record-breaking day.  Learn more...

King County issues first same-sex marriage licenses after R-74 was approved by voters this fall.  Learn more...

247 marriage licenses issued in first four hours  Learn more...

Thirteen North King County residents have applied to fill the vacancy that will occur on the Metropolitan King County Council when state Attorney General-elect Bob Ferguson is sworn into office on January 16, 2013.  Learn more...

King County preparing to issue hundreds of marriage licenses when new law goes into effect  Learn more...

Updates and info available on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and more  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine extends condolences to the City of Enumclaw following the passing of Enumclaw City Councilmember Kevin Mahelona.  Learn more...

King County to be the first in nation to enact marriage equality based on voter approval  Learn more...

Lease payments for tenant at Patricia Bracelin Steel Building will be reduced by replacing old bonds  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine today congratulated the Metropolitan King County Council for the spirit of collaboration that led to its unanimous adoption of the 2013-2014 King County Budget.   Learn more...

Agreement for 2014-2016 locks in cost trends at below-market rate for two-thirds of County employees, preventing budget swings in an unpredictable marketplace  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine today thanked Washington voters for approving Referendum 74:  Learn more...

The transition from Auburn Municipal Court to King County District Court takes place this Thursday, November 1 – expanding and improving access to justice for the residents of South King County.  Learn more...

To the applause of staff and customers, King County Executive Dow Constantine today issued the first single-family home building permit from the new Snoqualmie offices of the newly-renamed King County Department of Permitting and Environmental Review.  Learn more...

Community groups, nonprofit organizations and businesses would find easier access to low-interest financing for projects that conserve energy, water, and promote environmental sustainability, under legislation proposed today by King County Executive Dow Constantine for the first Green Communities Initiative in the state.  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine thanks elected officials on approval of arena legislation  Learn more...

King County offers secure and convenient online payment system  Learn more...

Executive Constantine remembers former State Senate Majority Leader Sid Snyder.  Learn more...

More than 5,000 local residents received homeless prevention services making it possible for them to stay in their housing, and a total of 679 new units of housing opened in 2011 to house homeless individuals and families, according to the 2011 Annual Report of the Committee to End Homelessness (CEH) in King County transmitted by King County Executive Dow Constantine to the King County Council. In all, the region has created a total of 5,046 new units of housing (53% of the goal of 9,500 units) from 2005 through 2011.  Learn more...

The State of Washington, King County, and City of Seattle announced the winners last night for the “Evergreen Apps Challenge,” from 20 finalists. These innovative mobile and web applications will connect residents to services and help people create useful experiences out of the data that government creates on a day to day basis.  Learn more...

New internship initiative provides employment opportunities for servicemembers returning to civilian life  Learn more...

Salvation Army will operate shelter, now set to open tomorrow  Learn more...

Thanks to the generosity of King County residents, more than 95,000 subsidized bus tickets will be distributed to community human service agencies helping homeless persons in Seattle and King County as part of King County Metro’s Transit Incentive Program. These tickets make it possible to fulfill the requests received by King County last week from human service agencies serving the homeless to assist low-income riders for the remainder of the year.  Learn more...

Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and Wesley Homes Lea Hill senior community honored for efforts in emergency preparedness and response  Learn more...

With a reform agenda that has created $60 million of efficiencies and introduced Lean business practices, King County Executive Dow Constantine today proposed a balanced 2013/2014 budget that funds most County services at current levels, despite sharply limited growth in the economy.   Learn more...

Bond refinancing for transit improvements will help save more than $15 million  Learn more...

University of Washington Professor David Olson passed away due to a stroke on Saturday, September 15:  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine today recognized People for Puget Sound upon word the long-time regional environmental advocacy organization intends to cease operations this fall.  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine issued the following statement in response to announcement of an agreement between members of the Seattle City Council and investor Chris Hansen on the memorandum of understanding for a proposed arena:  Learn more...

Voluntary, user-entered safety profiles can provide critical information to 9-1-1 centers and emergency responders when help is needed  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine – in partnership with award sponsors KeyBank, Microsoft Corporation, the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, enterpriseSeattle, and the Small Business Partners for Prosperity – today named 21 finalists in seven categories for the second annual King County Executive’s Small Business Awards.   Learn more...

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.   Learn more...

Archives puts dozens of historical photos on Pinterest, more to come  Learn more...

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.   Learn more...

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.  Learn more...

King County offers safety information and tips to cope with hot weather and danger of wildfires  Learn more...

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

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.  Learn more...

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.  Learn more...

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.   Learn more...

Facility with co-located services would open in downtown Vashon in spring 2013 if County Council agrees  Learn more...

County Executive Dow Constantine signs contracts with 25 cities to continue providing animal services through December 31, 2015  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine this afternoon thanked the Metropolitan King County Council for authorizing a memorandum of understanding with the city of Seattle and investor Chris Hansen for the proposed Sonics arena.  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn today proposed a new development incentive program that will invest millions of dollars in community infrastructure projects in the South Lake Union neighborhood, while preserving the working forests and farms that supply Seattle and its residents with fresh locally grown food.  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine tonight mourned the passing of Chris Wedes, creator of the beloved TV character, J.P. Patches:   Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine today proposed the boundaries for seven new Community Service Areas that together cover all of unincorporated King County, as part of his reform measures to strengthen the access of residents to their County government.   Learn more...

King County refinanced $94.6 million in bonds involving Harborview Medical Center. The refinancing will save the County an estimated $16.4 million over the life of the bonds.  Learn more...

A well regarded local attorney with more than 30 years experience in the King and Pierce County justice systems has been named today by King County Executive Dow Constantine to head the County’s Office of Public Defense.   Learn more...

Annual report shows it’s getting easier for small firms to do business with King County.  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine today applauded the United States Supreme Court for upholding the Affordable Care Act  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine today thanked the Metropolitan King County Council for unanimously approving his proposal for night and weekend use of a County-owned parking garage to replace existing parking in the long-awaited North Lot development next to CenturyLink Field. The development is key to revitalization of Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood.  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine today proposed a long-term plan to control combined sewer overflows – one that reaffirms King County’s commitment to water quality while at the same time calling for a new science-based study to be carried out in parallel with top-priority combined sewer overflow projects over the next three years.  Learn more...

A computer upgrade that will enable King County to integrate all of its permitting services will require a one-week shutdown of the permitting system in the Department of Development and Environmental Services. From July 2 through July 8, the department will be unable to process permit applications.   Learn more...

King County leaders joined today with the city of Sammamish to dedicate a new command center for the King County Sheriff inside Sammamish City Hall, and to launch a new model for service delivery that will increase patrol time on the streets.  Learn more...

King County joined with federal, state, tribal, and local partners this week to drill earthquake disaster response plans.  Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine today celebrated the “sweet” success of the Executive’s Small Business Awards by opening the nomination period for the 2012 countywide awards at the Queen Anne Hill location of last year’s winner, Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream.  Learn more...

Voters would be asked to keep the successful Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) in operation for another six years, under a proposal to place a property-tax levy renewal on the November general election ballot.   Learn more...

An innovative aerospace employment training initiative, more trauma and family counseling, and new investments in housing and homelessness would be funded with $6.7 million from the voter-approved Veterans and Human Services Levy, under a proposal from King County Executive Dow Constantine and Councilmember Bob Ferguson.   Learn more...

King County Executive Dow Constantine and King County Flood Control District Chair Julia Patterson today expressed disappointment at a decision by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to deny reimbursement for work done to protect the people of the Green River Valley from the flood threat posed by the federal Howard Hanson Dam.  Learn more...