Ferguson’s Continued Focus on Austerity Places King County in Jeopardy
King County Council members are sounding the alarm after Governor Bob Ferguson’s opposition to lifting the property tax cap threw their future budget into chaos. Ferguson’s opposition to new revenue options is also jeopardizing the state budget and could force deep service cuts and potentially a special session to hammer out details.
Trump Shreds Social Safety Net, Creating Perfect Storm for Homelessness
Trump actions are set to deepen the homelessness crisis, while kids face ICE deportation without any legal defense. County and City of Seattle leaders are scrambling to respond.
King County Council Appoints Shannon Braddock Acting Executive in Constantine’s Wake
Acting King County Executive Shannon Braddock was sworn in on April 1, but the King County Council is still deciding on whether they will appoint her through November. Filling in as her former boss departed to take the Sound Transit CEO job, Braddock emphasized continuity.
Seattle and King County Grapple with Federal Disinvestment and Threats
Seattle and King County are reeling from both immediate and anticipated impacts from the second Trump administration. Seattle Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck and King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci are leading efforts to prepare for the volatility and protect community members.
Constantine’s King County Parks Levy Proposal Would Expand Trails, Programming
On Tuesday, King County Executive Dow Constantine unveiled his $1.5 billion proposal to renew the King County Parks Levy, which expires at year's end. The levy funds parks and regional trail expansions, educational programming at partner organizations, and operations and maintenance.
Kirkland’s New Mental Health Crisis Center Top Contender for Levy Contract
Kirkland Connections is a new 24/7 mental health crisis center that could prove a model for the five crisis centers a county levy approved and funded in 2023. Such services are rare in the region.
Longtime Tukwila Councilmember De’Sean Quinn Joins King County Council
A county employee for two decades, De'Sean Quinn brings experience working for Executives Ron Sims and Dow Constantine, as well as in leadership at King County Metro. He'll replace Dave Upthegrove, serving as King County Councilmember through November.
Urbanist Girmay Zahilay Touts Inclusive Approach in County Executive Run
In a recent interview, Girmay Zahilay delved into his urbanist policy platform and values in his bid for King County Executive. We covered boosting housing, staunching Metro's fiscal cliff, leading Sound Transit, resisting Trump overreach, and more.