Executive Summary - Feb. 2016

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dow constantine executive summary

News from King County Executive Dow Constantine

February 2016  •  Issue 23

Executive takes action to confront and prevent homelessness

Executive Constantine announced a series of actions to confront homelessness and create additional affordable housing, building on the work he's already done since declaring a state of emergency in November.

The Exec's latest actions will increase shelter capacity in South and East King County and create a new day center in Federal Way. They will also create an additional 237 units of affordable housing, and provide rental assistance to those who used to be homeless, military veterans, immigrants and refugees, and families fleeing domestic violence.

These actions include $10 million to connect people to services that help them succeed once they find a home. 


"We continue to take action to help those who are homeless today, and prevent children and families from falling into homelessness tomorrow," said the Executive. "This humanitarian crisis requires a comprehensive, prevention-oriented approach that crosses all levels of government working with community partners. We're delivering results at the local level--now we need our Legislature and Congress to join us."

 

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Battery Powered Bus - Dow Constantine

Metro launches first all-electric battery-powered bus

King County Metro Transit began testing its first all-electric, battery-powered buses in Bellevue, adding to what is already one of the greenest fleets in the nation.

"We're taking advantage of the latest clean-energy technology to achieve our goal of an all-electric and hybrid fleet in three years," said the Executive. "Riders on the Eastside will have the opportunity to try our all-electric, zero-emission buses that demonstrate our commitment to reducing fuel costs and carbon emissions."

Executive Constantine set a goal for Metro of increasing transit service through 2020 with no net increase in greenhouse gas emissions.


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Harborview Agreement - Dow Constantine

King County, UW reach historic agreement on Harborview

Executive Constantine, UW President Ana Mari Cauce, members of the King County Council, and Harborview Board President Clayton Lewis announced a long-term agreement that ensures the county hospital remains one of the nation's premier medical centers.

The proposed 10-year agreement, which could be extended for an additional 20 years, expands Harborview's reach to community-based clinics with a focus on prevention. It also helps Harborview achieve its core mission of serving those with the greatest need regardless of their ability to pay.

"By providing Harborview patients greater access to UW Medicine's renowned delivery system, more people will receive the full benefit of our region's finest medical care," said the Executive.


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Paige Shevlin - King County Executive

Exec hires former White House aide as economic advisor

The Executive has appointed Paige Shevlin as his new economic policy advisor. For the past three years, Paige was with the White House National Economic Council where she served as a special assistant to President Obama for economic policy.

While King County is one of the wealthiest regions in the country and home to innovative companies, many people have not been able to access that prosperity. Executive Constantine's goal is to transform workforce development so that local residents are able to participate in the region's flourishing economy. 

"Paige has the experience to help us create changes that will connect more people with opportunity," said the Executive. "My vision is that King County will be a place where every person has the opportunity to work hard and live securely; where every community is strong, healthy and able to foster the success of its families. By increasing economic access for all, we help ensure that both our businesses and our people flourish."


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