Announcements

• The King County Charter Review Commission transmitted its final Report and Recommendations (PDF)  to the County Council on May 30, 2008.
• The Council placed five of the CRC's recommendations on the November 2008 ballot.
• Anti-Discrimination:  Elevating to Charter status the existing prohibition in the King County Code against discrimination based on disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression in county employment and contracting.(Ordinance 2008-0358).
• Budget Timeline:  Providing the Council with an additional 20 days to review the Executive's proposed County budget, for a total of 65 days for review, in recognition of the increased scope and responsibilities of County government from the time the review period was originally established 37 years ago (Ordinance 2008-0363).
• Citizen Initiative:  Streamline the process by which citizens may amend the charter through initiative by eliminating the requirement to hold two separate public votes on such measures, and increase the signature threshold to 20 percent.
• Qualifications for Elected Officials:  Permitting the Council to establish additional qualifications for separately-elected officials who head charter-based executive branch departments, as is currently permitted for the office of Sheriff (Ordinance 2008-0360).
• Regional Committees:  Reducing the number of County Councilmembers on the Council’s three regional committees, establishing a vice-chair position to be filled by a non-Council member, authorizing the committees to initiate legislation, and authorizing the Regional Policy Committee to adopt its own work program without the need for Council approval (Ordinance 2008-0359).
• The Council voted on (PDF) five proposed charter amendments on July 8. Read more (external link) about the progress of the CRC's amendments.
• The Council held a hearing (RealVideo file) on the CRC's recommendations on June 2, and a Town Hall on June 16 (RealVideo file).
• Read the latest news stories about the Commission.
• Learn more about the Open Space Amendment, including endorsements from local environmental organizations.
• The Commission held four public hearings in April. Review recordings, minutes, and TV broadcasts of the meetings. The CRC's final meeting was April 29.

About the Charter Review

In 1969, King County voters were the first in the State of Washington to adopt a home rule charter. Our charter provides us with a fundamental, underlying framework of how we govern our region. It requires that everyone, regardless of position or office, abide by a higher law.

The Charter specifies that at least once every ten years, the Executive appoint a citizen commission to review the charter and recommend changes. In January 2007, King County began its fifth review of the Charter. The commission will complete its work in May 2008, when it sends its recommendations to the County Council for approval. If approved, King County citizens will vote on the amendments in November 2008.

As part of our public outreach process, we have provided a link that allows for citizen feedback on issues related to the County Charter. We welcome any of your suggestions.

Please contact us with questions or comments.