Program Manager Update

As we move further into 2025, our strategic objectives move into full gear. On the technology front, automatic text translation was implemented on the system in less than an hour! With the text translation, texts to 911 are automatically translated, so that telecommunicators can easily converse with the texter in their native language. Conversations have started with the State 911 provider to enable “geofencing” in which a designated area of King County can be identified, allowing calls originating within that area to be delivered to a specified group of call takers. It is anticipated that this advancement will be used during World Cup 2026, allowing for a faster, more coordinated response. We are actively working to bring a new automatic, assistive Quality Assurance program to our PSAP partners, allowing for 100% quality checks on all 911 calls and developing training scenarios, greatly enhancing operational efficiency.

We have, however, suffered a bit of a setback with our Centralized Recorder project. The RFP responses were simply not to the quality and completeness that were expected, and we terminated the solicitation. To move forward, we are meeting with vendors and will rework the RFP requirements to try and solicit a system that is consistent with the available offerings yet still meets the needs of the county and expectations of callers.

Video-to-911 is still on the agenda, but we are taking a more conservative approach to the implementation. We will be holding a series of demonstrations of the technology to allow an opportunity to fully understand the operational implications and potentially modify existing labor agreements.

With the new system now fully implemented, we are learning how to settle in and add features/functions as they are ready, and as our PSAPs are ready for them.  

Financial 

The first quarter of 2025 has ended and with 2024 officially closed, it can be noted that it was another great year. Revenue came in $1M better than budget and slightly down from last year at $0.3M due to VOIP's Affordable Connectivity Program ending. Expenses ended $5.6M better than budget and $0.56M better than last year.

As of February, the year has started off on a strong note, with revenue exceeding budget by $0.35M and expenses coming in $0.48M under budget.

Looking ahead, efforts are currently focused on preparing the 2026/2027 biennial budget, which is due for Executive review by the end of June. This budget will mark a transition from the old platform to a new one. The primary aim is to eliminate outdated circuitry and associated expenses swiftly to pave the way for new and exciting technological possibilities. Financial health is robust, allowing support for these objectives and future plans, with the expectation of submitting a financially sustainable proposal this summer.

“One of the funny things about the stock market is that every time one person buys, another sells, and both think they are astute.” - William Feather

Off to a Great Start!

The post-Service Pack 2 "Freeze" period was highly successful. The tech teams isolated and resolved several issues, and they verified consistency of all the installation configurations. Gating issues have been significantly reduced, with a plan in place to address the remaining ones.

With the conclusion of the freeze, the transition from Project to Operations is accelerating across multiple levels: Tech teams, Operations, and Management with weekly meetings between the Program Office and vendor technical teams to align efforts and priorities. While there is a learning curve, both teams are collaborating effectively, sharing ideas, and making progress. This process enabled the successful implementation of automated Translation for Text to 911 service in March.

Legacy equipment removal is underway. This labor-intensive task requires techs to physically remove old positions and cabling while minimizing disruptions to PSAP operations. The work is progressing smoothly and will continue into May.

Operational-level meetings, involving Project Managers, have been ongoing for the past year. These meetings have been vital for issue resolution and resource management. As the project winds down, they remain essential for the acceptance process.

The first Quarterly Business Review is scheduled for mid-April, marking the final phase in transitioning to steady-state operations. This initial meeting will set expectations at the Management level for the ongoing relationship.  A successful start which will continue to evolve.

Public Education 

The outreach team is gearing up for an exciting event season, kicking off the first week of May!

While winter is often a quieter time for administrative tasks and planning, the team, Emery included, have kept the energy alive over the past couple of months. They've brought smiles to children at the Carnation Library with story readings, cheered on police officers and fire fighters at a charity hockey game, and shared valuable safety tips at resource fairs throughout the county. And don’t worry, Emery is fully recharged and ready to dive into the action-packed months ahead. Make sure to say hello to Emery and the team when you spot them out and about this summer!

Legislation and 911

The 105-day Washington State Legislative session ends April 27, 2025, and the King County Program Office is closely monitoring two bills related to 911.

Senate Bill 5004 adds language to current RCW requiring school districts to incorporate panic buttons into their emergency response plans. Since 911 is the first point of contact in emergencies, it was added in the bill for school districts to consult with 911 agencies when implementing the panic alerting system.

House Bill 1258 diverts funds from county 911 tax revenue to support a primary or secondary PSAP bypassing the county's authority. The bill currently only applies to a county east of the Cascades. 

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Join us in celebrating the heroes behind the headset this week April 13-19, 2025, during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week!

We encourage you to share your gratitude with notes of thanks and inspiration, stop by and visit your local PSAP, or any other creative ways you can think of to let the call takers and dispatchers know you appreciate the work they do every day of the year. They sacrifice so much to ensure help is sent when it is needed.