September 2, 2009
Plans for flood barriers around Justice Center and continuation of essential services in Green River Valley detailed for Council committee
“The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina taught us how devastating the damage – both human and economic – can be without proper planning.”
August 26, 2009
New risk of flooding from Howard Hanson Dam could threaten County facilities and require emergency relocations
“The valley is home to the region’s food distribution center and is the manufacturing hub of the Pacific Northwest. Given our current economic crisis we can ill afford to lose the $46 million a day in economic activity that is generated in the valley. It’s vital we take all the needed steps to prevent this from happening.”
July 27, 2009
County Council funds family planning clinics through 2009
“With the help of federal and state funding, we are rescuing another imperiled program from the budget ‘lifeboat.' The need for these services is clear: in 2007, these family planning clinics served 17,200 clients.”
July 21, 2009
Statement from Councilmembers Julia Patterson and Larry Gossett on rejection of proposed property tax levy
“Today’s vote means that, during our budget process this fall, we will need to take devastating cuts to criminal justice, health and human services. Those cuts will result in sickness, crime and the inability to keep the community healthy and safe.”
July 13, 2009
County Council and Executive-branch agencies to reduce staff and freeze hiring to keep budget “lifeboat” afloat
“We were able to work with our colleagues to create a solution that preserves the out-year reserves necessary to help with the county’s projected 2010 budget shortfall. This plan allows us to continue providing vital services to the neediest members of our community.”
June 15, 2009
County Council holds the line on 2010 sewer rate
“In today’s tough economic times, it’s commendable that the Wastewater Treatment Division has managed to keep its operating costs virtually the same as last year and is on target with its long-range capital spending projections. This translates into stable fees for county ratepayers.”
June 15, 2009
Council reauthorizes popular countywide Video Voters Guide for primary and general election
“Any effort that increases the information available to voters should be encouraged. The Video Voters Guide allows you to find out about a candidate at your leisure—and at your convenience.”
May 26, 2009
Council approves new life for retired vans
“These vehicles have become invaluable to the groups that receive them because they provide options. They are a lifeline to the senior that needs to go to the doctor or the youth group that wants to take their kids on a trip.”
May 18, 2009
Council appoints Kurt Triplett as King County Executive
“As Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, I look forward to working with Kurt Triplett in this time of transition and economic uncertainty. He will draw on his 17 years of experience and leadership in County government to inform the difficult choices before the Executive’s office in the next six months.”
May 18, 2009
Efficiency in government, public safety, health and human services, and physical environment
top Council’s 2010 budget priorities
“The economic challenges facing King County call upon us to find ways to maintain the safety net for our most needy and vulnerable populations, and to provide mandated services in a period of shrinking revenues. The priorities we adopted today reflect the idea that in protecting the safety, health, and quality of life of King County citizens, we must look beyond our standard way of preparing the budget.”
May 18, 2009
County Council integrates Metro bus service around new Link light rail system
“After hearing the concerns of the community, I worked with Metro and my colleagues to find a solution to the proposed elimination of route 42. While the new route does not address all of the issues raised, I hope it will allow members of the community to retain some of the transportation services they have come to depend on.”
May 4, 2009
Council moves swiftly to fund protection of Raging River open space
“Working on a state and county level with regional stakeholders, we’ve adopted a plan that ensures this property will remain available for limited logging and recreational uses, but is closed to development.”
April 27, 2009
Heightened local monitoring is underway for swift detection of swine flu, King County Council is told
“There are no reports of cases in our region, but today’s briefing is a reminder of the safeguards we already have in place to protect the public if there is a major influenza outbreak.”
April 27, 2009
Constantine, Gossett praise Legislature’s efforts to provide counties with funding tools
“I appreciate the Legislature’s hard work to help King County and other Washington counties maintain programs during these tough economic times.”
April 13, 2009
Council committees to hold joint public meeting on upcoming bus service changes
“Metro is proposing changes in bus service as a result of rail service in southeast Seattle. I want to make sure that transit users are aware of the impact those changes may have on their commute and have an opportunity to give us their input before we make any final decisions.”
April 6, 2009
King County Council implements greater transparency in County budget numbers
“In a period where every government jurisdiction is facing huge budget deficits, it is important for the general public to see how and where King County spends taxpayer dollars. With this legislation, the average citizen can now see the priorities of the County.”
March 30, 2009
Council approves investment in White Center
“The next step in the transformation of the Park Lake neighborhood into Greenbridge is construction of the plaza that will be financed by this loan. This complex will spur economic growth in both Greenbridge and the communities within southwest King County.”
March 17, 2009
County Budget Director forecasting a 40 to 50 million dollar general fund shortfall for 2010
“King County—and counties throughout Washington—are facing hard choices. Declining revenues are forcing us to decide which of the programs that protect the lives, health and safety of county residents will be reduced or eliminated. The state Legislature is still working on a proposal that would provide counties with the revenue options that will allow us to fund these programs. Without those options, the only choice we may have is to stop providing the services.”
February 17, 2009
Additional loss of $35 million in sales tax revenues next year threatens Metro bus service
“At a time of record ridership, we are facing the reality that we may have to cut transit service unless a new source of revenues is identified.”
February 2, 2009
Sale of Summit Pit clears way for open space, trails, housing and new roads facility
“This is a purchase that not only benefits the county’s financing of our new facility, it’s a benefit in our efforts to keep sprawl in check. Summit Place’s purchase of TDRs and easements means that growth will continue in communities that have the infrastructure to support it.”
January 27, 2009
Council told of first drop in County jail population in five years
“These totals show that the ‘paradigm shift’ that we began at the start of this century have had a real impact on lives. For many, it was the first time that people were given the assistance to deal with their addiction or mental illness and to begin their journey towards recovery. These numbers show that we must continue these programs even despite our budget problems if we are to have true public safety in King County.”
December. 8, 2008
Rural businesses receive a boost: County Council provides flexibility for home-based retail sales
“Small home-based businesses are the backbone of the economy in King County’s rural and unincorporated communities. This legislation simplifies some of the regulations that have restricted the operation of these businesses and should encourage rural entrepreneurs to expand their companies or open new ones.”
November 25, 2008
Councilmember Gossett: Adopted County Budget ensures human service safety net in place for 2009
“The safety net provided by human service organizations are critical to our county, especially when we are facing extremely difficult economic times.”
November 24, 2008
Councilmember Gossett: Time to find stable funding for Equity and Social Justice programs
“I believe we must find a dedicated funding source to support the most highly utilized health and human services programs serving the poor and disadvantaged in our community. Even with this significant reduction in general revenue funds for next year we must find ways to prioritize services for those most vulnerable: seniors, the poor, children, and other marginalized and disenfranchised populations.”
November 24, 2008
Highest priorities of public safety, health and quality of life protected by the King County Council in 2009 adopted budget
“I am pleased we are able to maintain our commitment to equity and social justice by funding critical programs that reduce the number of low-level offenders in the King County jail. If we dismantle these programs, our county will not only face skyrocketing criminal justice costs but also increased social problems.”
November 7, 2008
Citizen panel praised for recommendations that paid off with a smooth day at the polls
“I want to applaud the Elections Division for their work on implementing the important recommendations of the CEOC. Their efforts ensured the smooth operation of this election.”
October 6, 2008
More flexibility for farmers and incentives for urban density adopted in update of County land use policies
“This plan takes a holistic approach to growth in King County. These amendments focus growth in ways that help urban and suburban communities become healthier, while expanding opportunities for owners to utilize and protect rural and agricultural lands.”
October 6, 2008
Overlooked groups now part of Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Action Plan
“We understand that we must take responsibility for the ills within our community, but to address those ills, it is necessary to address the root causes. I look forward to working with the MIDD Oversight Committee and other mental health providers to develop new strategies that will provide culturally relevant mental health and substance abuse services targeted to youth and young adults of color who have experienced violence.”
July 28, 2008
One more proposed King County Charter amendment placed on November ballot
“This is the last of the six charter amendments that will be on the 2008 ballot. The next step will be up to the voters of King County.”
July 14, 2008
Council places five proposed amendments to King County Charter on November ballot
“I believe it is important to place before voters the extension of legal protections in our county charter to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity, disability or sexual orientation – discrimination that is already prohibited in our county code.”
July 14, 2008
Gossett honored as one of the UW’s “Wondrous One Hundred”
“I am honored to be named one of UW’s wondrous One Hundred, especially as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the sit-in at the UW that precipitated major changes for students of color.”
July 7, 2008
Council calls for extension of regional jail contract and joint strategy with cities on future jail needs
“It is very important that we strengthen our regional partnerships in order to have a comprehensive, first-class criminal justice system. This means working with the cities within the County to ensure public safety, provide alternatives to incarceration for those who need treatment to stay out of the system, and operate a uniform, humane, equitable and fiscally responsible criminal justice system.”
July 7, 2008
Appeals court opinion on critical areas may place the burden of review on property owners
“Today's opinion from Division One of the state Court of Appeals invalidating part of the county's Clearing and Grading Ordinance raises legal issues which need to be resolved by the state Supreme Court, potentially through the appeals process. It does not relieve King County of any of its obligations under the state Growth Management Act (GMA) to protect the environment, economy and quality of life.”
June 9, 2008
County candidates could declare party preference under new alternative to I-26
“By knowing a candidate’s party preference, the people of King County will be able to judge better the values and principles for which that candidate stands.”
June 9, 2008
Reaching for the tap instead of the bottle: County Council restricts purchases of bottled water
“As one of the nation’s leaders in environmental protection, this ordinance is one more example showing King County’s commitment to conserve our resources.”
June 4, 2008
Council expresses condolences on the passing of former King County Councilmember Ruby Chow
“Ruby Chow has left a remarkable legacy to the people of King County that is carried on by her children who serve as public servants and community volunteers,”
June 2, 2008
Twelve amendments to County Charter put before King County Council for ballot consideration
“The proposed recommendations are a reflection of concerns raised by citizens at public hearings over the last year. The Council must now consider which of these recommendations we want to send to all of the voters of King County. The Charter Review Commission gave us solid information to work with as we make our decision.”
May 5, 2008
Council preserves options for rail and trail in historic agreement with Port to bring Eastside Rail Corridor into public ownership
“It is a great achievement that the Port and King County government has been able to save the Eastside rail corridor and put in under public ownership and use it for generations to come for rail, hiking, jogging and biking use.”
May 5, 2008
County Council calls for rebid of federal tanker contract
“Especially in this period of economic difficulty in the U.S., it is the role of our government to protect and develop more jobs for our workers and not to facilitate jobs leaving the U.S.”
April 28, 2008
Council backs affordable workforce housing in Renton, Kent and Burien
“The challenge of keeping working wage housing in King County means crafting creative solutions. The Credit Enhancement Program allows us to partner with developers who are already building units to ensure that low-income residents are not forced out of our largest cities.”
March 24, 2008
More bus service on major routes throughout the county thanks to new transit partnerships
“Increasing transit options was one of the goals of Transit Now. These partnerships fulfill that goal.”
March 10, 2008
Sammamish park transfer meets growing need for Eastside playfields
“There is a growing need for athletic fields in east King County. The County is also committed to ensuring passive open space. Our vote guarantees that the majority of Soaring Eagle Park will be available for quiet activities but also ensures space for athletic pursuits.”
March 3, 2008
Community hearings set on major update to King County land use policies
“We are reaching out to the 360,000 residents of our rural and unincorporated areas to make it easier for your voices to be heard. Instead of having to drive downtown, you can come to an evening public hearing in your community, or submit your testimony online.”
Feb. 11, 2008
Maleng’s advocacy inspires building name
“The name of the new facility recognizes Maleng’s untiring support for the staff who work inside that building and the help they provide to the individuals and families who come through their doors.”
Jan. 22, 2008
Council adopts funding to pilot improvements in children’s health
“Healthy children grow up to be healthy adults. Children who lack health care face a future of health disparities that will impact the rest of their lives."
Jan. 7, 2008
Human services, public health highlight King County’s 2008 State Legislative Agenda
“There are a number of challenges facing King County, but the biggest cost driver on our general fund budget continues to be criminal justice. The County has made great strides in the ‘paradigm shift’ from incarceration to intervention. State funding for programs that help keep young people out of the criminal justice system is essential.”
Dec. 17, 2007
Gossett: Civic engagement and bipartisanship charted Council’s course in 2007
Increased civic engagement helped guide improvements to King County’s mental health treatment system, flood control protection, and County budgeting, under the leadership of Councilmember Larry Gossett who ends his term as Chair of the Metropolitan King County Council today.
Dec. 10, 2007
Council accepts $3 million in private donations in support of Children’s Health Initiative
The Metropolitan King County Council today passed legislation for the County to accept $3 million in current and future donations for the implementation of programs that are part of the King County Children’s Health Initiative.
Nov. 19, 2007
King County Council adopts 2008 budget that respects property tax limits of I-747
The Metropolitan King County Council today unanimously adopted a $4.9 billion budget that responds to the priorities voiced by citizens earlier this year to ensure public trust, enhance quality of life, and protect public health and safety. The budget stays within the property tax limits of Initiative 747, despite the recent invalidation of the measure by the state Supreme Court.
Nov. 13, 2007
Saving lives and improving public safety: Council adopts sales tax funding for mentally ill and drug dependent
After hearing from hundreds of speakers over the past year who urged action, the King County Council today enacted the one-tenth of one cent sales tax proposed by the County Executive to fund the strategies and programs outlined in King County’s Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Action Plan. The programs are designed to stabilize people suffering from mental illness and chemical dependency, diverting them from jails and emergency rooms by getting them proper treatment.
Nov. 13, 2007
Ferry District adopts work plan and funding for Vashon ferry, Water Taxi, and 5 demonstration routes across Lake Washington and Puget Sound
Nearly a century after a “Mosquito Fleet” of small boats linked the communities that ring Lake Washington and Puget Sound, the Board of the King County Ferry District today adopted a 2008 work plan, budget, and funding for operation of Vashon passenger-only ferry service, year-round operation of the popular Water Taxi, and five demonstration routes crossing those same bodies of water.
Nov. 13, 2007
Flood Control Zone District adopts work plan and funding to prevent Katrina-like flood disasters
The threat of catastrophic flooding and economic disaster like that seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was addressed today by the King County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors with adoption of a 2008 work plan and budget that funds a program to rebuild and maintain King County's aging system of 500 levees and hardened embankments that protect residents, businesses, public infrastructure and roads.
Nov. 8, 2007
Saving lives and improving public safety: Council Budget Committee recommends funding for mentally ill and drug dependent
The King County Council’s Operating Budget, Fiscal Management and Mental Health Committee today forwarded legislation to the Council recommending approval of the one-tenth of one cent sales tax authorized by the state legislature and proposed by the County Executive.
Oct. 8, 2007
Council accepts action plan to divert mentally ill and drug dependent from jails and emergency rooms
A statewide effort to divert people suffering from mental illnesses and chemical dependency away from jails and emergency rooms and get them into proper treatment moved a step forward today as the Metropolitan King County Council accepted the Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Action Plan.
Oct. 8, 2007
County Council finds good homes for “retired” County vans
Instead of heading to the used car lot, retired Metro Transit vanpool vans will be used to increase transportation options for local governments and non-profit organizations throughout King County. The Metropolitan King County Council today approved the donation of the 25 vehicles through the King County Vanpool Program.
Sept. 24, 2007
White Center Park renamed in honor of King County Sheriff’s deputy Steve Cox
The Metropolitan King County Council today voted unanimously to rename White Center Park as “Steve Cox Memorial Park” in honor of fallen Deputy Steve Cox.
Sept. 24, 2007
Council budget leaders call for funding for gang suppression unit in 2008 King County Budget
Budget leaders for the Metropolitan King County Council today urged that priority be placed in the 2008 King County Budget for funding of a permanent gang suppression unit in the King County Sheriff’s Office. The Council today adopted a motion to re-establish the enforcement unit, which was disbanded in 1996.