Executive provides a preview of what will be the most comprehensive approach to child and youth development in the nation
Executive Constantine provided a preview of his plan to implement Best Starts for Kids, an initiative that will increase the number of children who are born healthy, sustain the gain as their brain continues to develop, and create safer, healthier communities that reinforce progress. It’s considered the most comprehensive approach to child and youth development in the nation.

Executive proposes partnership to develop or preserve more than 2,000 units of affordable housing across King County
Under a proposal by Executive Constantine, King County Housing Authority would have access to King County’s triple-A credit rating, enabling the Authority to develop or preserve up to 2,200 units of affordable housing in strategic locations, such as near mass transit or high-performing schools.

Federal grants increase housing opportunities for homeless youth, adults and families
More than $35 million in federal homeless assistance funds was awarded jointly to the City of Seattle and King County. This includes over $4.3 million in new funding to create housing for over 350 households, and critical renewal funding for existing homeless housing and services countywide.

Executive thanks Corps of Engineers for protecting treaty fishing rights, denying permit to build largest coal export terminal in the U.S.
King County Executive Dow Constantine – who is Chair of the Safe Energy Leadership Alliance – issued the following statement in regard to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to deny permits needed to build the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal at Cherry Point, located near Bellingham.

Executive thanks County Council for approving his plan to prevent children and family homelessness
The County Council has approved Executive Constantine’s plan to implement the first strategy that will be funded by his Best Starts for Kids initiative. He’s now finalizing the implementation plan for the rest of the initiative, which he will send to the Council on June 1.

King County’s stellar credit rating will result in lowest sewer rate increase in 15 years and reduce debt by $582 million
The next sewer rate increase will be the lowest in 15 years under a proposal by Executive Constantine. And by borrowing less and relying more on cash financing to pay for capital projects, the county will reduce its outstanding debt by more than a half-billion dollars.

More youth in Seattle will complete high school, earn a college degree and achieve career goals under a new partnership
Learning Center Seattle – a new collaboration between King County, Seattle Central College, United Way of King County and Seattle Education Access – will help some of Seattle’s most vulnerable youth finish high school, earn a college degree and achieve their career goals.