King County Metro launches ride-hailing apps for on-demand shuttle service to transit
King County Metro customers can use a new mobile app to hail on-demand shuttle service to and from transit hubs, starting at the region's largest park-and-ride.
"We are embracing mobile technology to provide our customers with convenient first- and last-mile service to reliable transit," said Executive Constantine. "Our on-demand shuttle service will make it easier than ever for commuters throughout King County to get to work and home again each day without having to drive or park."
 Greater transparency and accountability for families and law enforcement after fatal shootings by police
Future inquests into the use of deadly force by law-enforcement officers in King County will focus on whether police followed policies and training and less on an officer’s individual perceptions under a major overhaul of the proceeding to be announced by King County Executive Dow Constantine.
“That information should help us be able to determine whether ... police agency policies need to be modified and whether the training needs to be different and whether there needs to more of it,” Constantine said in an interview in which he stressed that the goal is to prevent deaths, bring more credibility to the process, and broaden hearing procedures that in the past families of those killed by police have often found frustrating and unsatisfactory.
 Accelerating King County's work to remove barriers for returning salmon
Executive Constantine recently brought in an expert to accelerate the work King County is leading to remove barriers for salmon returning to their native streams, a key part of his commitment to protecting and restoring the region’s clean water and healthy habitat. Many culverts that were built decades ago to pass water under roads and trails now prevent salmon from making it back to their home spawning grounds.
"With urgency and purpose, we are removing barriers to healthy habitat to ensure the survival of our region’s iconic salmon," said Executive Constantine. "Having a highly respected program manager coordinate the work we are doing across county departments with Tribes and other partners will accelerate our effort, making it possible for more salmon to return to their native streams."
 VIDEO: ‘It can saves lives’: Creating safe, welcoming spaces for young people across King County
A local nonprofit wanted to provide young people in North Bend with a safe, welcoming space where they can connect in a community where there are few options.
The nonprofit, The Trail, successfully competed for Best Starts for Kids funding, which helped them convert a former barbershop into a coffeehouse where young people can go after school, get one-on-one mentoring, learn to play musical instruments, and stay connected during difficult moments in their development.
 Honoring those who protect, restore, and interpret the places that tell our story
Executive Constantine announced recipients of the 2018 John D. Spellman Awards for historic preservation, which included a new category for legacy businesses. The award is named in honor of former King County Executive and Governor John Spellman, who passed away in January. He established the county’s Historic Preservation Program 40 years ago.
“One of John Spellman’s lasting legacies as our county’s first Executive was instilling the importance of preserving the places that reflect our region’s shared history,” said Executive Constantine. “The historic preservation award named in his honor is even more important today as we experience unprecedented growth and rapid change. This year’s award recipients answered the call, protecting, restoring, and interpreting the places that tell our story.”
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