May 25
More aerospace job training, housing, and counseling services for veterans proposed by Constantine and Ferguson
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.
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May 25
Officials express dismay at FEMA denial of reimbursement for cost of Green River Valley flood protection
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.
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May 24
Executive mourns passing of Margaret Ceis
King County Executive Dow Constantine today mourned the passing of Margaret Ceis, a West Seattle activist and former president of the Harborview Medical Center Board of Trustees:
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May 23
Employee-inspired efficiencies spark a new crop of King County ‘Energy Heroes’
King County Executive Dow Constantine today distinguished six employees as Energy Heroes for going the extra mile to improve energy efficiency and cost effectiveness in County operations.
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May 16
Executive, Mayor and Chris Hansen reach agreements that govern financing for multi-purpose arena in Seattle’s Stadium District
King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, joined by private investor Chris Hansen, today announced agreements between the City, County and ArenaCo to govern the financing of a proposed new state-of-the-art, multi-purpose arena in the Stadium District of Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood.
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May 3
Executive lauds career of State Senator Lisa Brown
King County Executive Dow Constantine today lauded the career of Washington State Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, following her announcement that she will not seek re-election.
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April 28
Executive Constantine thanks King County Sheriff’s Deputies
King County Executive Dow Constantine today thanked Sheriff’s Deputies on their work to track down Peter Keller
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April 25
Property taxes for first half of 2012 now due
Property taxes for the first half of 2012 are due by April 30.
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April 25
Startup Weekend Gov seeks participant to build apps using government data
The first Startup Weekend aimed at connecting local application developers, entrepreneurs and community members with online government data will take place this weekend, April 27, 28 and 29, in Seattle City Hall.
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April 19
King County seeks partners to invest in solar panels at County facilities
Community partners are being invited to invest in construction of solar panels at King County “solar hot spots,” for production of electricity to help power County facilities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, under a clean-energy program launched today by King County.
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April 16
King County achieves lowest possible borrowing costs for South Park Bridge bonds
Low interest rates mean King County will save millions of dollars over the life of bonds sold to pay for County's share of South Park Bridge replacement
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April 11
Bus riders and County roads left hanging by Legislature’s failure to act on sustainable funding for transportation
King County Executive Dow Constantine today spelled out the consequences to the public of inaction by the state Legislature on Senate Bill 6582 and House Bill 2751:
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April 11
Regional task force resolves long-standing dispute over school siting
A 30-member task force representing a broad coalition of stakeholders from throughout the region has unanimously agreed on key recommendations for school siting in King County that call for future schools to be sited in urban areas and rural towns, rather than in areas designated as rural.
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April 6
DDES Director wins Muni League award
King County Executive Dow Constantine today congratulated his Director of the Department of Development and Environmental Services, John Starbard, for being named Public Employee of the Year by the Municipal League of King County.
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April 5
Report shows King County GIS delivered $775 million return on investment over past two decades
King County’s long-term use of its in-house Geographic Information System (GIS) has resulted in three quarters of a billion dollars in net benefits to the County, according to a first-of-its-kind report.
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April 5
Executive thanks Municipal League of King County for regional leadership award
King County Executive Dow Constantine tonight accepted the 2012 James R. Ellis Regional Leadership Award, at the 53rd Annual Civic Awards Celebration Dinner at Herban Feast in the SODO area of Seattle.
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April 4
Executive assigns top advisor to open new channels of communication with residents of unincorporated King County
King County Executive Dow Constantine has named one of his top advisors to lead the opening of new channels of communication with residents of the county’s unincorporated areas through creation of Community Service Areas.
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March 29
Inmate of King County Jail dies at Harborview Medical Center
A Seattle woman who was being held at the King County Jail died Monday at Harborview Medical Center, after being found in medical distress in her cell.
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March 29
First-ever Startup Weekend focuses on improving government services
The City of Seattle, King County, and the State of Washington are sponsoring the first Startup Weekend focused on government--and you don't have to be a developer to participate and share ideas.
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March 27
King County maintains strong credit ratings ahead of bond sale for clean-water projects
Two national credit ratings agencies affirmed King County’s solid credit ratings ahead of a planned sale of two series of bonds totaling approximately $150 million that will support vital sewer improvement projects to protect public health, the environment, and support economic growth.
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March 16
King County and Seattle receive nearly $1 million more in federal homeless assistance grants
The City of Seattle and King County have been awarded $968,902 in new funds to support the operating costs for three homeless housing projects in Seattle, bringing the total amount awarded to our region for 2012 federal homeless assistance awards to well over $22 million. King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn announced the local McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Awards following the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announcement of nationwide awards.
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March 14
Civic-minded residents invited to apply for appointment to King County Board of Ethics
King County residents with an interest in law and ethics are invited to apply for an open position on the King County Board of Ethics. The appointee will serve a three-year term on the five-member citizen advisory board.
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March 3
Constantine condemns State Senate meltdown
King County Executive Dow Constantine today expressed grave concern over the Republican-led budget proposal adopted in the early hours of this morning in the state Senate.
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March 2
Constantine salutes Norm Dicks for being Washington state’s champion
King County Executive Dow Constantine today released the following statement regarding the announcement of Rep. Norm Dicks that he will not see re-election to the United States House of Representatives:
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March 1
Community Service Centers open for "Passport Day in the USA"
King County is partnering with the U.S Department of State to help residents apply for their passport. Four King County Community Service Centers will be open on Saturday, March 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for “Passport Day in the USA.” This special event will help residents who might not otherwise be able to apply for a passport in person during standard workday hours.
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Feb. 28
Inquest ordered into fatal police shooting of man parked outside Federal Way coffee shop
Fact-finding hearing is routine to determine causes and circumstances of any death involving a member of law enforcement while in performance of duties
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Feb. 24
Reforms at King County Jail lead to grade of “100 percent” from U.S. Department of Justice
The King County Jail earned exemplary ratings in meeting all conditions set by the federal government for housing inmates in a safe and secure environment, according to a letter this week from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that successfully concludes a three-year review of jail operations.
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Feb. 22
County applauds Inslee and Cantwell for preventing auction of radio spectrum used by local public safety systems
King County Executive Dow Constantine and members of the Metropolitan King County Council today thanked Congressman Jay Inslee and Senator Maria Cantwell for their work to amend federal payroll tax legislation and protect the 700 MHz narrowband radio spectrum used by public safety systems in King County.
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Feb. 21
Earlier notice of overdue payments will help property taxpayers avoid extra charges
King County will move up the annual mailing of property tax delinquency notices from September to June, under a policy change made by County Executive Dow after hearing from taxpayers and County Councilmember Bob Ferguson.
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Feb. 17
Constantine applauds President Obama for support of local jobs in aerospace industry
King County Executive Dow Constantine today thanked President Obama for his support of the local aerospace industry, at the President’s visit to the Boeing plant in Everett.
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Feb. 16
Mayor and County Executive announce new, self-funded arena proposal
Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and King County Executive Dow Constantine today announced that a private investor, Christopher Hansen, has sent a proposal to the City and County to construct a new arena in Seattle’s Stadium District with the ability to host an NBA and NHL team. Together, the Executive and Mayor also appointed a panel of community leaders and finance experts to evaluate Mr. Hansen’s proposal.
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Feb. 14
King County Aerospace Alliance announces unified actions to support a “faster, stronger, better” infrastructure for the aerospace industry
Loans to support expansion of small aerospace companies, streamlined permitting, and workforce navigators to guide students into good-paying aerospace careers, were among the actions called for today by King County Executive Dow Constantine and members of the King County Aerospace Alliance as part of a new regional strategy for job growth and prosperity.
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Feb. 13
Constantine hails historic signing of marriage equality into law
King County Executive Dow Constantine today joined Governor Christine Gregoire and other supporters as she signed the Marriage Equality Bill (ESSB 6239) into law
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Feb. 8
Constantine lauds Legislature for sending marriage equality bill to the Governor
King County Executive Dow Constantine tonight commented on state House passage of marriage equality legislation:
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Feb. 6
Executive Constantine calls for partnerships that help region to compete and build a shared prosperity
Building on the accomplishments of the past two years, King County Executive Dow Constantine in his State of the County address today said he would keep fighting to help the region compete on the global stage, speed local economic recovery, and get people back to work.
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Feb. 6
2012 State of the County address
A year ago we gathered in Kent, to celebrate the spirit of partnership that secured protection of the Green River Valley. I've come to Bellevue today to highlight the dynamism of the Eastside, and to underscore that we are truly a regional government, serving a people, culture and economy that, more than ever, transcend municipal boundaries.
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Feb. 1
Constantine praises Senate for historic marriage equality vote
King County Executive Dow Constantine today praised the Washington State Senate’s vote to enact legislation establishing marriage equality in Washington state.
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Jan. 27
King County, local partners collaborate to award $13.1 million to support homeless housing, services
More than 500 low-income, homeless households will be able to move into stable housing or receive the services they need to maintain their housing thanks to the coordinated efforts of King County, the City of Seattle, United Way of King County, the Seattle Housing Authority and Building Changes.
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Jan. 23
Executive praises passage of market-based tool for protecting wetlands, boosting growth
Wetlands and other sensitive areas in King County will be preserved, while builders will have greater certainty when developing their projects, using a new approach to growth proposed by King County Executive Dow Constantine and adopted Jan. 17 by the Metropolitan King County Council.
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Jan. 23
Executive Constantine and Councilmember McDermott on State Senate majority in support of marriage equality
King County Executive Dow Constantine today praised the 25 lawmakers who have now created a State Senate majority in support of marriage equality in Washington state. Councilmember Joe McDermott, who sponsored the amendment to add marriage equality to the County’s legislative agenda, also praised the legislators’ support.
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Jan. 21
Ahead: Clearing roads, restoring power
Those who must travel today should be patient and take it slow. Watch for falling ice and tree branches. Stay away from downed power lines. Make safety your first concern.
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Jan. 20
EVENING UPDATE: First case of carbon monoxide poisoning reported and DDES offers free damage inspections
As King County continues to coordinate agency response to the unrelenting winter storm that struck the region this week, the County urges residents to use caution while traveling and find safe ways to stay warm and safe during power outages.
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Jan. 20
Clear storm drains and watch for falling branches
Those who must travel today should be patient and take it slow. Watch for falling ice and tree branches. Stay away from downed power lines. Make safety your first concern.
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Jan. 20
King County road crews work non-stop to clear historic storm debris
The King County Road Services Division continues round-the-clock response to challenging weather conditions including downed trees blocking County roadways.
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Jan. 19
EVENING UPDATE: Carbon monoxide poisoning and proper use of 9-1-1
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Jan. 19
Travel is still difficult
Residents should use caution if they must commute to work, and are urged to telecommute on Thursday if possible. Snow and ice did not melt off roadways overnight.
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Jan. 18
King County government adverse weather operations - Wednesday, January 18
Some King County agencies are reporting altered operations today, Wednesday, January 18.
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Jan. 18
EVENING UPDATE: Don’t be fooled by calm weather, travel is still difficult
The weather forecast still predicts cold temperatures, and snow and ice will not melt off roadways overnight.
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Jan. 17
EVENING UPDATE: King County government adverse weather operations
Some King County agencies are reporting altered operations tonight, Tuesday, and tomorrow, Wednesday.
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Jan. 17
King County government adverse weather operations
Due to snow conditions and slick roads, residents are urged to use caution while commuting to work and to telecommute if possible.
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Jan. 13
Snow in the forecast: prepare now for possible winter weather emergencies
The National Weather Service is forecasting cold weather and likely snowfall within the next several days. The King County Office of Emergency Management urges residents and businesses to prepare now for possible winter weather emergencies.
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Jan. 12
King County community comes together to celebrate legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
King County paid tribute to its namesake today during the 25th anniversary celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The theme for this year’s event, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” was inspired by a 1957 speech by Dr. King.
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Dec. 27
Inquest ordered into fatal police shooting of man who reportedly fired shots in Issaquah neighborhood
King County Executive Dow Constantine today ordered an inquest into the shooting death of Ronald Williams Ficker by Issaquah police officers on September 24, 2011.
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Dec. 21
Seattle, King County receive more than $21.8 million in federal homeless assistance grants
Federal homeless assistance funds totaling more than $21.8 million have been awarded to the City of Seattle and King County for 2012-2013, 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.
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Dec. 19
Partnerships and reforms help build record of accomplishment in King County Executive’s first two years in office
The precise midpoint for the current four-year term of King County Executive Dow Constantine is Wednesday, December 21 – and with the County back on sound financial footing, the Executive took stock of the achievements of his first two years in office.
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Dec. 15
King County warns of apparent email scam
King County is warning of an apparent email scam.
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Dec. 7
County Executive congratulates Machinists and Boeing on new labor pact
King County Executive Dow Constantine praised ratification by the Aerospace Machinists of a four-year contract extension.
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Dec. 7
Moody’s restores King County's “stable” bond outlook, reaffirms high credit rating
Moody’s Investor’s Service today reaffirmed the county’s high bond ratings and restored the outlook for King County bonds to “stable.”
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Dec. 2
King County awards $10.6 million to affordable housing development countywide
Creating housing for veterans, homeless families and others in need, King County Executive Dow Constantine today announced approximately $10.6 million in awards for affordable housing development across the county
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Nov. 30
Executive congratulates Machinists and Boeing on bringing the 737 MAX to King County
King County Executive Dow Constantine today congratulated The Boeing Company and the Machinists on their ability to work together to reach an agreement that ensures jobs and prosperity
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Nov. 22
Inquest ordered into fatal police shooting of a homicide suspect in Seattle’s Belltown
King County Executive Dow Constantine today ordered an inquest into the shooting death of Eric Blaine Evans by a Seattle Police homicide detective on October 23, 2011.
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Nov. 21
King County workforce development program wins Governor’s Best Practice Award
For the second year in a row, an innovative King County education and employment program has been awarded a Workforce and Economic Development Best Practice award by Governor Gregoire.
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Nov. 17
Executive and Council praise Congressional approval of $37.5 million for future Metro RapidRide serving both North and South King County
King County Executive Dow Constantine and members of the Metropolitan King County Council today expressed their appreciation to Congress for appropriating $37.5 million for two more Metro Transit RapidRide lines.
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Nov. 15
Executive congratulates David Frockt on his appointment to the Washington State Senate
King County Executive Dow Constantine today congratulated David Frockt on his appointment to the State Senate to fill the remainder of the term left by the sudden passing of Sen. Scott White
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Nov. 15
Executive lauds appointment of Judge Steven González to Washington Supreme Court
King County Executive Dow Constantine today lauded the appointment of King County Superior Court Judge Steven González to the State Supreme Court:
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Nov. 15
National medical journal documents success of King County employees in losing weight through innovative wellness program
Employee wellness programs can play an important role in the nation’s health, according to a new study published in a national medical journal that documents sustained weight loss by King County employees
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Nov. 14
Executive Constantine urges swift action to approve marriage equality for all Washingtonians
King County Executive Dow Constantine today applauded the kickoff of the Washington United for Marriage effort—a coordinated effort to secure full marriage rights for all Washington residents.
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Nov. 9
Executive congratulates Council for unprecedented adoption of new King County Budget 12 days ahead of schedule
King County Executive Dow Constantine today praised the working collaboration with the Metropolitan King County Council that led to adoption of the 2012 King County Budget one-and-a-half weeks ahead of schedule.
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Nov. 2
One year after funding, construction of the new South Park Bridge becomes more visible
After months of work in the Duwamish River on the foundation for a new South Park Bridge, a new phase is beginning that will be much more visible to passers-by
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Oct. 24
Executive praises council for funding King County Aerospace Alliance work
King County Executive Dow Constantine today praised the Metropolitan King County Council for their fast work to pass funding to support the work of the King County Aerospace Alliance (KCAA).
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Oct. 24
Agencies reaffirm King County’s high credit ratings ahead of bond sale
Two national credit ratings agencies have reaffirmed King County’s high marks ahead of a planned $21 million bond sale expected to go to market on November 7.
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Oct. 21
Executive praises partnership of King County and federal law enforcement in White Center arrests
King County Executive Dow Constantine today praised the partnership of King County and federal law enforcement that led to dozens of arrests and seizures of guns and drugs at two alleged hubs of criminal activity in White Center:
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Oct. 19
Executive launches King County Aerospace Alliance to promote regional economic recovery and jobs
King County Executive Dow Constantine today joined with leaders in business, labor, education, and local government to launch a new regional effort to strengthen the local aerospace industry and position King County as the premier location to build the re-engined Boeing 737 MAX
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Oct. 19
Second half of 2011 property taxes now due
King County property owners have until Monday, October 31 to pay the second half of their 2011 property taxes. After October 31, interest charges and penalties will be added to the tax bill. To make the process easier, King County provides several ways for property owners to pay their taxes quickly and conveniently.
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Oct. 17
King County and Sound Transit land $14.4 million in federal grants for buses, facilities
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today awarded King County $6 million in grants that will enable Metro to improve facilities and enhance its ability to monitor and track the efficiency of its transit assets.
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Oct. 13
Remarks to jobs rally at Westlake Park
“Like you, I am drawn here today by a commitment for jobs, a passion for equal opportunity, and a belief that the collective voice of ‘We The People’ can still make an impact.”
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Oct. 12
King County Executive presents first-ever countywide Small Business Awards
King County Executive Dow Constantine celebrated the importance and the accomplishments of small businesses throughout the county by presenting the first annual King County Executive's Small Business Awards at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue today.
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Oct. 10
Statement on the passing of former Washington Governor Albert D. Rosellini
King County Executive Dow Constantine today expressed sadness at the passing of Washington State’s 15th governor
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Oct. 3
King County Executive opens Administration Building for interim SHARE Safe Haven homeless shelter use during October
King County Executive Dow Constantine has authorized the temporary use of a ground-floor room in the King County Administration Building for use as a homeless shelter during the month of October by SHARE Safe Haven, in response to a request received from the organization late last week.
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Sept. 30
Two King County organizations honored with first-ever Executive's Awards for Community Preparedness
Two local organizations were recognized today by King County Executive Dow Constantine for their commitment to emergency preparedness and response. VashonBePrepared and the Carnation-Duvall Citizen Corps Council were both honored with the first-ever Executive’s Awards for Community Preparedness.
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Sept. 23
Cat reunited
A local family is celebrating a reunion, thanks to Regional Animal Services of King County. Sherrie Fox and her family lost their cat, Oscar, about three years ago when he ran away from their home in Auburn. For months, Fox visited the King County Pet Adoption Center in Kent almost daily looking for her feline friend, with no luck.
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Sept. 22
North Lot development
King County Executive Dow Constantine today announced an agreement that will allow for the long-held goal of constructing a mixed-use development with affordable housing to begin in Seattle's Pioneer Square, on the parking lot just north of the old Kingdome site.
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Sept. 21
Task force proposed to evaluate siting of schools in rural areas of King County
A task force to evaluate the siting of schools in the rural areas of King County has been proposed for consideration by the Growth Management Planning Council (GMPC), a countywide planning body that has been working to update the set of growth policies that governs jurisdictions in King County.
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Sept. 20
King County Executive announces dramatic health care savings through reforms
As governments and businesses everywhere see their cost of providing health care rising, King County Executive Dow Constantine today said the County has dramatically lowered its projected cost of providing health care for employees
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Sept. 16
King County Executive, City Mayors hail announcement on Howard Hanson Dam
King County Executive Dow Constantine joined the Mayors of Auburn, Kent, Renton, and Tukwila to hail the announcement from the US Army Corps of Engineers that the Corps will operate the Howard Hanson Dam this storm season at its normal design capacity.
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Sept. 13
County continues to make it easier to do business with government
A new initiative proposed by King County Executive Dow Constantine would expand opportunities for small businesses and grow the local economy.
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Sept. 12
Deteriorating roads and declining revenues compel County to propose new maintenance priorities
Steep declines in the revenues supporting the King County Road Fund – accompanied by ongoing deterioration of aging road surfaces – will require implementation of a tiered system of prioritizing road maintenance, storm response and snow removal, under the 2012 County budget to be proposed Sept. 26 by King County Executive Dow Constantine.
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Sept. 9
Vancouver earthquake: reminder to prepare
Many King County and West Coast residents felt the earth move under their feet Friday afternoon, the result of a preliminary magnitude 6.4 earthquake centered off Vancouver Island.
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Sept. 8
Executive: American Jobs Act will help put people of King County back to work
King County Executive Dow Constantine tonight urged support for President Obama's job creation plan:
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Sept. 8
Ten years after 9/11
The 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy causes many of us to reflect on both the innocent lives lost a decade ago, and our own level of readiness when disaster of any kind strikes.
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Sept. 7
Inquest ordered into fatal police shooting of man in Walmart parking lot in Federal Way
King County Executive Dow Constantine today ordered an inquest into the shooting death of Jedidiah Waters in a Walmart parking lot by a Federal Way Police Officer on July 21, 2011.
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Aug. 31
Executive begins right-sizing of Metro Transit with move to more on-demand DART service
King County is moving ahead with the “right-sizing” of Metro Transit bus service to more closely reflect actual ridership, in line with legislation recently approved by the Metropolitan King County Council to enact the Congestion Reduction Charge.
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Aug. 30
County leaders unite around Executive’s proposal for gang violence intervention and prevention
The growth of gang violence in South King County will be targeted by a coordinated King County response of suppression, intervention, and prevention funded with $1.4 million from the Criminal Justice Reserve, under a proposal by King County Executive Dow Constantine developed in collaboration with Metropolitan King County Councilmembers and criminal justice leaders.
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Aug. 24
Tapping sewer lines for heat and energy in Seattle’s Interbay area proposed by Executive
King County would be among the first in the nation to test a new technology that captures heat from sewer pipelines and redistributes the energy to nearby buildings, under a pilot project proposed today by King County Executive Dow Constantine.
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Aug. 22
$70 million projected savings as County takes advantage of low interest rates
Today, King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division issued $494 million worth of new sewer revenue bonds at a rate of 3.79 percent.
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Aug. 16
Voters renew levy to provide critical services to veterans and those in need
King County Executive Dow Constantine tonight thanked the voters who renewed the Veterans and Human Services Levy, and made clear the County’s intentions to quickly set wheels in motion to ensure efficient continuation of the levy’s critical programs and services.
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Aug. 15
Leadership by Executive and Council saves Metro bus service for next two years
King County Executive Dow Constantine hailed tonight’s County Council enactment of an amended package for a two-year, $20 Congestion Reduction Charge as a bipartisan action that demonstrates courageous leadership by all Councilmembers.
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Aug. 12
County Executive’s agreement provides supermajority needed to preserve Metro bus service
King County Executive Dow Constantine has announced a supermajority of County Council support needed to enact a two-year $20 Congestion Reduction Charge and avert a 17 percent cut of Metro bus service starting in 2012.
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Aug. 12
County ends procurement process on Alder Youth Services Center
After a thorough review of proposals, King County is ending the current procurement process for replacement of all or portions of the Alder Youth Services Center. The process, known as a Request for Qualifications/Concepts (RFQ/C), allowed developers to submit general concepts for the project and demonstrate their qualifications.
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Aug. 12
Regional Animal Services of King County marks first year in operation
King County Executive Dow Constantine today congratulated Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) for a successful first year in operation. The highlights include a record low euthanasia rate, a growing volunteer and foster program, and increased regional collaboration. The executive also announced a new name for the RASKC facility in Kent: the King County Pet Adoption Center.
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Aug. 11
Veterans and Human Services Levy report shows reductions in expensive criminal justice, emergency medical interventions
Providing housing and supportive services to the most vulnerable of King County’s homeless population is not only saving lives, it’s saving hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars, according to a new report transmitted today to the Metropolitan King County Council by King County Executive Dow Constantine.
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Aug. 10
County leaders unite in support of new Veterans Treatment Court, with focus on services and support rather than incarceration
Military veterans in King County would be connected to the treatment and support services they need to avoid the unnecessary criminalization of mental illness, under a proposal to establish a dedicated treatment court calendar for veterans being developed by King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson, King County Executive Dow Constantine, and King County District Court.
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Aug. 1
King County Executive Dow Constantine statement on CSO control
King County has been a leader in protecting regional water quality for nearly 50 years. Today, Executive Dow Constantine affirmed King County‘s support for the Clean Water Act, and asked local, federal and state agencies to look at how we can link different cleanup efforts to get the best outcome for Puget Sound.
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Aug. 1
Inquest ordered into shooting death of Anthony David Ourada by a King County Sheriff’s Deputy
King County Executive Dow Constantine today ordered an inquest into the shooting death of Anthony David Ourada by a King County Shiriff’s Deputy on April 17, 2011.
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July 28
King County Budget Director: “This is entirely a reflection on the federal government, not King County”
King County Budget Director Dwight Dively today responded to a statement from Moody’s Investors Service regarding the credit of 162 Aaa-rated local governments across the nation, including King County:
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July 25
Up to 2,700 construction jobs to be created with development of North Lot of former Kingdome
King County Executive Dow Constantine today praised County Council adoption of his proposal to move the County a step closer to the long-held vision of developing mixed-use space near the stadiums in Seattle.
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July 13
Report on Veterans and Human Services Levy highlights successful delivery of services to 30,000 veterans, families and others in need
More than 30,000 veterans and others in need across King County were helped in 2010 with housing, health care, counseling and job training to assist them toward healthier and more stable lives, according to an annual report on the Veterans and Human Services Levy transmitted by King County Executive Dow Constantine and briefed today before the King County Council’s Regional Policy Committee.
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July 12
Consolidation of King County information technology cuts costs and improves customer service
King County will capture economies of scale, standardize tools, enhance business processes, and create budgets based on service needs, under a reorganization of information technology services proposed by King County Executive Dow Constantine and approved yesterday by the Metropolitan King County Council.
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July 11
Executive thanks Council for clearing the way for expanded P&R, housing in SR-520 corridor
King County Executive Dow Constantine today commented on the King County Council’s endorsement of a set of principles that clears the way for development of a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) at Metro’s South Kirkland Park-and-Ride.
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July 11
Executive appoints special investigator for Los Angeles police commission to head new King County Office of Law Enforcement Oversight
A manager of internal investigations and performance audits for the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners was named today by King County Executive Dow Constantine to head the County’s new Office of Law Enforcement Oversight, which was established to ensure the integrity of the King County Sheriff’s complaint and investigation process.
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July 11
Executive praises Council for unanimously adopting Metro Transit service reforms
King County Executive Dow Constantine praised members of the Metropolitan King County Council for today’s unanimous adoption of the Executive’s proposed reforms for making Metro Transit service more productive and efficient.
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July 1
Protect your pet this Independence Day weekend
The Fourth of July is almost here, and Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) is urging residents to think about their pets this holiday weekend.
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June 29
Executive promoting eGovernment initiatives
King County Executive Dow Constantine today transmitted his plan to council for improving the County’s website to increase accessibility of County services.
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June 28
Demand for Metro Transit service up 5 percent in May over the same period a year ago
New numbers show that demand for King County Metro Transit service jumped 5.1 percent in May compared to the same period a year ago – lending support to calls for the Metropolitan King County Council to enact a Congestion Reduction Charge authorized by the state Legislature to prevent a 17 percent cut to King County bus service.
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June 27
Executive restores funding for Skyway police storefront
King County Executive Dow Constantine and King County Sheriff Sue Rahr today announced the Executive’s action to restore funding for an important police presence at the Skyway community police storefront.
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June 15
Regional Transit Committee unanimously adopts Executive’s Metro Transit service reforms
King County Executive Dow Constantine today praised regional leaders on the King County Council’s Regional Transit Committee for their unanimous recommendation of reforms that will make Metro Transit service more productive and efficient.
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June 9
Executive welcomes support of business community for interim two-year transit funding
King County Executive Dow Constantine today praised the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce for its support for the Congestion Reduction Charge, authorized for King County last month by state lawmakers to prevent major transit service reductions
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June 7
Help spot Spot
Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) has joined with Missing Pet Partnership (MPP), a national non-profit organization dedicated to helping families who have lost a pet, to develop a “Shelter Pet Detective” program.
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June 7
Solid waste rate proposal supports long-term effort to modernize 1960’s-era transfer stations
A one-year disposal rate proposal for 2012 would support King County’s program to modernize its 50-year-old solid waste handling system, while giving cities and the County time to consider an extension of their long-term agreements in order to save ratepayers money on the cost of financing those improvements.
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June 2
King County employees lend a hand to neighbors across the Pacific
King County employees have once again demonstrated their giving spirit.
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June 2
Summer-long requirement proposed for wearing of life vests on rivers in unincorporated King County
A heightened risk to public safety has prompted King County Executive Dow Constantine, with the backing of a wide range of public safety and health officials, to call for a summer-long requirement for the wearing of life vests this summer by anyone swimming, floating, or boating on major rivers running through unincorporated King County.
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May 31
Find a feline friend (or two!) at Regional Animal Services of King County
During the month of June, Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) is joining with the American Humane Association, Petfinder.com, and other animal organizations around the Puget Sound region and throughout the United States to promote Adopt a Shelter Cat Month.
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