County gets the keys to Maury Island Property
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced today the successful completion of the purchase of the sand and gravel site on Maury Island, ending 13 years of efforts to expand the mine. The County took possession of the land this morning, including the keys to the property gate.

2010: a year of accomplishment and reform
After his first year in office, King County Executive Dow Constantine says his agenda for reform has put the County on a path to financial stability, bringing fundamental change and significant accomplishments consistent with the values of our community.

Citing potential for disruption to transit service, Executive implements interim Metro policy restricting new non-commercial advertising on buses
Citing the potential for disruption to transit service, King County Executive Dow Constantine today approved an interim policy from Metro Transit that calls for a halt to the acceptance of any new non-commercial advertising on King County buses. Under provisions of the previous policy, Metro officials today also rejected a proposed ad from the Seattle Mideast Awareness Campaign and the proposed response ads from two other groups.

King County picked to road test national sustainable community rating system
ICLEI USA today announced King County as one of nine communities nationally that will help finalize and road test an innovative new sustainability rating system and performance management tool.

Executive calls for review of policies on non-commercial bus ads
King County Executive Dow Constantine today called for a review of Metro Transit policies on non-commercial advertising that appears on buses:

County declines to accept proposed contract amendment from King County Police Officers Guild
Saying it would cost the public more than it saves, King County Executive Dow Constantine today declined to accept a proposed amendment to the current labor agreement with the King County Police Officers Guild.

Land use policies help limit damage from landslides and flooding during weekend flooding
King County Executive Dow Constantine today recognized residents who keep themselves prepared for events such as this weekend’s downpour, while noting the benefits from previous laws and investments that have helped keep damage to a minimum.

Executive receives contract proposal from King County Police Officers Guild
King County Executive Dow Constantine this afternoon received notice from representatives of the King County Police Officers Guild that members have voted in support of proposed amendments to the terms of their current collective bargaining agreement.

Executive appoints King County Councilmember Joe McDermott to Sound Transit board
King County Executive Dow Constantine today appointed newly-elected King County Councilmember Joe McDermott as a south county representative to the Sound Transit Board of Directors.

King County Jobs Initiative wins 2010 Workforce and Economic Development Best Practice Award
Two innovative and successful King County work training programs were singled out for recognition today by Governor Christine Gregoire. The King County Jobs Initiative (KCJI) was selected to receive a 2010 Workforce and Economic Development Best Practice Award, and the SODO Greenlight Program was recognized as a Project to Watch.

Constantine recognizes World AIDS Day
King County Executive Dow Constantine today recognized World AIDS Day 2010 and thanked the community that works every day to improve the lives of people living with HIV in King County and around the world.

Death of Inmate in Work Release Program
An inmate in the custody of the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention as a participant in the Work Release Program broke a window on the eleventh floor of the King County Courthouse and jumped to his death at 11:15 am this morning.

Executive signs updated shoreline protections for rivers, lakes and Puget Sound
King County Executive Dow Constantine today signed into law the first major update to the County's shoreline protections since the late 1970s, following adoption of the legislation earlier today by the King County Council.

King County Executive visits Vashon/Maury Island communities, commends regional partners on winter weather response
King County Executive Dow Constantine today took the ferry to visit officials, volunteers and residents on Vashon and Maury Islands to see first-hand the recovery efforts underway to restore power and clear County roads blocked by downed trees.

Updated King County weather response efforts and holiday closures
Today King County Executive Dow Constantine visited the Vashon Island Emergency Operations Center, an adjacent warming center, and also met with local responders and volunteers working to restore power and other services to Vashon/Maury Island communities. Power should be restored by this evening to all but a small handful of residents on the island and warming centers are standing by to accommodate anyone who is still without power.

Updated King County government operations
Due to continued cold weather conditions and dangerous roads, residents are urged to use caution while traveling or commuting to work and to use public transportation or telecommute if possible. Individuals should take their time and be patient, and emphasize safety over getting to a destination quickly.

King County elevates emergency readiness in event aid is requested for residents of Vashon and Maury Islands
The King County Emergency Coordination Center this evening raised its state of readiness in the event that aid is requested on behalf of the entire population of Vashon and Maury Islands, where 10,000 have been without electricity since this morning.

Updated King County government operations
Due to severe weather conditions and dangerous roads, many King County agencies are reporting closed operations on Tuesday

King County residents: if you don’t have to drive Tuesday, please stay off the roads
King County Executive Dow Constantine urged King County government employees to telecommute or take a day of accrued vacation rather than attempt a trip on icy roads in the morning.

Warming shelters open, buses on snow routes, some county government services disrupted
Some county offices are closing up for the day as difficult travel conditions, continued snowfall, and predicted worse weather are making it increasingly difficult for employees to get to their posts, and difficult for the public to access services in person.