Executive Constantine reappoints Anita Khandelwal to lead Department of Public Defense
Executive Constantine reappointed Anita Khandelwal to be director of the Department of Public Defense. DPD ensures legal representation is available for all people facing a loss of liberty who cannot afford an attorney and works with partners across the community to address racial disproportionality in the criminal legal system.

King County releases Reimagining Public Safety report and community-driven pilot program recommendations for urban Unincorporated King County
A new report released today shares findings from the Reimagining Public Safety Survey that launched last fall, including pilot program recommendations and future community engagement strategies.

A major King County restoration project along the Green River is improving salmon habitat, protecting homes, farms, and roads from flooding
A successful floodplain restoration project along the Green River near Auburn is improving habitat for fish and wildlife while also protecting farms and homes from flooding and erosion. It now provides greater diversity of habitat for native salmon that provide sustenance for Puget Sound orcas.

King County providing recent refugees a temporary place to stay in Redmond as they prepare for resettlement
In collaboration with the state, the City of Redmond, and community partners, King County is establishing a temporary place to stay at one of the County’s previously purchased hotels to provide support for current and newly arrived refugees as they prepare for resettlement.

King County awards $2 million in digital equity grants to local groups, agencies, and organizations serving communities most impacted by COVID-19
King County’s Office of Equity and Social Justice awarded $2 million in grants to 29 local groups, agencies, and organizations that aim to increase digital equity and literacy in communities most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finalists and public forums announced for King County Sheriff as recruitment moves into the final phase
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the names of three candidates who will move forward in the final phase of recruitment for the new King County Sheriff. Finalists will engage in two public community forums before a final interview with the Executive.

King County conducting thorough audit of Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program payments
King County has contracted with a third-party auditing firm to sample audit payments and is working to identify any cases of inappropriate payments. As the program winds down, the Department of Community and Human Services is taking on additional efforts to reconcile all payment records to landlords to identify all possible funds that can be paid to eligible households not yet assisted