King County Metro, Sound Transit reach agreement to continue integrated rail operations and maintenance through 2023
King County Executive and Sound Transit Board Member Dow Constantine announced that King County Metro and Sound Transit reached an agreement to continue operating and maintaining the Link light rail system for the next four-and-a-half years, and potentially up to 10 years. The agreement was sent to the King County Council and Sound Transit Board’s Executive Committee this week for consideration.

On Earth Day, Executive Constantine presents Green Globe Awards, the region’s highest honor for local environmental efforts
From cleaning polluted stormwater to saving forests, farmlands and open space for public use, to designing environmentally friendly building regulations that save resources, the 2019 King County Green Globe Award winners honored by Executive Dow Constantine are leading the ongoing efforts to improve environmental conditions for people and fish and wildlife across the region.

Executive Constantine directs actions against ICE detainee flights from King County Airport
King County Executive Dow Constantine signed an order that directs King County International Airport to amend lease practices with the goal of banning flights of immigration detainees chartered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The action applies to companies that operate hangar space and other facilities. Meanwhile, King County International Airport will update its rules to make ICE flights more transparent.

Former Seattle Police Chief John Diaz to oversee detention at King County
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced that former Seattle Police Chief John Diaz has been retained to lead the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention as the department transitions to a new director.

Executive Constantine at State of the County: ‘True North’ guides new model in Public Health, investments in transit and housing
At his annual State of the County speech today, King County Executive Dow Constantine unveiled a new Public Health model to deliver maternity and nutrition services across the region. Executive Constantine also acknowledged Metro driver Eric Stark, and announced improvements to transit apps.

Executive Constantine thanks County Council for putting his plan to renew the King County Parks Levy on the Aug. 6 ballot
The King County Council today voted to put Executive Dow Constantine’s proposal to renew the King County Parks Levy on the August ballot.

New on-demand shuttle service makes it more convenient than ever to take transit in southeast Seattle and Tukwila
Residents in southeast Seattle and Tukwila can use the Via app or call 206-258-7739 to hail a ride to and from five Link light rail stations where they can board a bus or a Link train. The yearlong pilot project is a partnership by King County Metro, Sound Transit and City of Seattle.

Executive Constantine names Seattle Councilmember Juarez to fill open seat on Sound Transit board
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the nomination of Seattle Councilmember Debora Juarez to fill the open Sound Transit board seat vacated by former Councilmember Rob Johnson. The term of the appointment expires at the end of the year.

Trailhead Direct returns with more routes connecting hikers to more trails
The transit-to-trails service co-led by King County Metro and King County Parks with additional funding from Seattle Department of Transportation and REI Co-op returns April 20 with more routes connecting convenient transit locations to popular trailheads.

New labor agreement builds on partnerships to deliver efficiencies and sensible total compensation package
King County has negotiated a two-year labor agreement with a coalition representing nearly half of King County’s 14,000 employees that delivers new efficiencies and sets total compensation for 2019-2020.

Offering childcare providers the support, tools, and research they need to help children thrive
Executive Constantine’s Best Starts for Kids levy is now providing childcare centers, in-home providers, and to informal family, friend, and neighbor caregivers with the latest research and best practices for health, safe environments.

With one year until Census Day 2020, Executive Constantine, Mayor Durkan, and Seattle Foundation announce first-ever $1 million Regional Census Fund
King County, City of Seattle, and Seattle Foundation have created a $1 million Regional Census Fund that will help community-based organizations conduct outreach to ensure a complete, accurate 2020 Census.