News from King County Executive Dow Constantine

May 2017

Pushing forward as a national leader to confront climate change

At the same time the White House is trying to systematically reverse the progress the world has made to confront climate change, I had the opportunity to honor those who are helping push our region -- and the rest of the country -- forward.

Hosting the 2017 King County Green Globe Awards ceremony, I recognized people and organizations that reflect our region’s strong commitment to protecting our natural environment. Here are just a few of the inspiring accomplishments by Green Globe recipients:

• The Lummi Nation led a broad coalition of Tribes, environmental groups, and local governments to successfully oppose the construction of what would have been the largest coal export terminal ever built in North America.
• Puget Sound Energy now generates enough wind energy to meet the electricity needs of nearly 200,000 homes.
• King County Housing Authority is transforming the way neighborhoods are developed, renovated and maintained to reduce carbon emissions.

As a local government, King County is bringing together cities, businesses and nonprofits to coordinate our efforts to maximize our combined impact. 

• We are leading a coalition of 13 cities – representing more than 1.5 million residents – to enhance our shared effort to confront climate change and create sustainable communities.
• We are moving forward with our Strategic Climate Action Plan that the co-founder of Earth Day called “the best” he’s seen.
• We are the largest municipal customer to purchase renewable wind power through Puget Sound Energy’s new Green Direct program.
• We have ordered 120 more battery-powered buses and are working with partners to plant 1 million trees throughout King County.
• We are delivering on ambitious goals, including one I set during my 2014 State of the County address. King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks met my goal to be carbon neutral a year ahead of schedule, a remarkable achievement by one of our biggest agencies.

In the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, our region is headed in the right direction and providing hope for the future. When our nation emerges from this period of fear, denial and regression – and, rest assured, we will – our region will be positioned as a global leader in sustainability and clean energy.

Thank you, as always, for the opportunity to serve.

Sincerely,

Dow Constantine
King County Executive

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A stronger community response for youth and families experiencing a crisis

The Executive announced new options for parents, youth, school personnel, and local law enforcement that will divert and reduce the number of youth who come into contact with the courts and detention facilities. The “Safe Spaces” proposal connects youth who may have traditionally gone into the criminal justice system to community-based alternatives that provide supports and crisis stabilization that were previously unavailable.

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Delivering on our commitment to supporting veterans and vulnerable populations

The Veterans and Human Services Levy -- which King County voters overwhelmingly renewed in 2011 -- is on track to serve more than 200,000 clients, connecting people to a wide range of services, including housing, employment and treatment. As the levy reaches its expiration date on Dec. 31, check out the results it has delivered for the people of King County.

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Affordable Care Act repeal: Bad policy that weakens health care in King County

An analysis of the American Health Care Act passed by House Republicans would cut federal support to states and individuals, unraveling the most popular and successful aspects of the current law, according to Public Health – Seattle & King County. The legislation puts more than 200,000 King County residents at risk of losing their health care.

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