Executive feature archive
Lower sales tax revenues prompt closer review of Metro fare proposals
New projections released this week by the King County Office of Management and Budget show Metro will lose $45 million in sales tax revenues in the 2008-2009 biennium and $43.5 million annually beginning in 2010 or about 8.3 percent less revenue than anticipated. This loss, combined with a projected $22 million in unanticipated costs due to rising fuel prices and other cost increases means Metro is facing an average annual budget shortfall of more than $70 million. Learn more... Metro bus riders saving more by driving lessA typical King County transit user can save up to $8,400 a year by leaving the car at home and riding a Metro Transit bus – that's significantly more than the average household pays for food in a year. According to a new national survey released today by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), King County is No. 4 in the national "Transit Savings Report." The calculations were based in part on the current cost of gas in the Seattle metropolitan area and the price of an average Metro bus pass. Read more... Related news
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Skyrocketing fuel costs prompt proposal to boost Metro Transit fares
“This worldwide fuel crisis comes at a time of historic ridership growth for Metro Transit – and is the reason why residents are turning to transit in record numbers as their own budgets are squeezed,” Sims said. “But, the same rising fuel costs contributing to Metro’s popularity are making it more expensive to deliver service and maintain aggressive transit-growth plans. “This fare increase will allow us to continue to move forward in an effort to meet the extraordinary demand for more transit, not slip backward at a time when these services are needed the most,” Sims said Metro had budgeted $2.60 per gallon for diesel this year. Now, due to the dramatic spike in fuel costs, it anticipates paying an average of $3.86 per gallon in 2008. That cost difference will create a deficit of more than $14 million in 2008, despite a fare increase earlier this year to cushion the impact of rising operational costs.Learn more... Related information
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Harborview Medical Center Maleng Building opens
The building is named in honor of Maleng who served as King County prosecutor for almost 30 years. In 1989, his young daughter, Karen, received care at Harborview for injuries suffered during a sledding accident. Following her death, Norm and his wife Judy became leading community advocates for Harborview’s role in providing emergency care for patients and support services for their families. The new Inpatient Expansion Building is part of a $193 million bond measure approved by voters in 2000 that provided funding for the facility as well as an expanded Emergency Department and earthquake stabilization at Harborview. It gives the medical center eight more operating rooms, 50 additional inpatient beds, and space for acute care, rehabilitation and clinic services. In remarks at the event, Executive Sims thanked the Rev. Dr. Cirilo Del Carmen, retired director of Harborview’s first chaplaincy program, under whom he trained. “Reverend Cirilo taught me a lot about extending care and compassion to people and families dealing with medical crises. He epitomizes the tremendous level of care, compassion and service that doctors, nurses and other staff at Harborview continue to provide today. It’s the same type of care and compassion that my friend Norm Maleng experienced here himself, and that he gave himself. It is a fitting tribute that this building carries his name.” Learn more about the Maleng Building...
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Grant awarded to Puget Sound Health AllianceToday we celebrate the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s (RWJF) commitment of more than $1 million over three years plus access to additional grants to the Puget Sound Health Alliance. This is a wonderful validation of the organization’s work. King County was instrumental in creating the Puget Sound Health Alliance in 2004 to reduce the cost of health care in the region by improving its quality and efficiency. Just four years after bringing together health plans, patients, doctors, employers and hospitals, under its umbrella the Alliance represents over 1.4 million residents across five counties in Washington State and has issued its first Community Check-Up report providing a snapshot of the quality of care in the region. This award recognizes the work we’ve done and continue to do to make healthcare affordable and effective for participants at all levels and roles. RWJF awarded grants to the Alliance and 13 other community-based programs around the country as part of a $300 million initiative to jumpstart health-quality reforms through regional collaboration. This initiative is bolstered by information in the Dartmouth Atlas Project, a new national report showing serious deficiencies in the quality of U.S. healthcare most pronounced based on socio-economic factors. We applaud this analysis, which echoes King County’s own research in this area. Our findings showed the disparities are governed by the quality of health care as well as by community factors related to equity and social justice that put some people at higher risk for developing certain diseases. King County is committed to pursuing regional solutions to this issue through our work with the Puget Sound Health Alliance. The Robert Wood Johnson Grant will make it possible for us to take our efforts to the next level. Together, we can find solutions to the healthcare challenge that impacts every single person in our country. Related info |
King County opens new Tolt Bridge
The new bridge on Northeast Tolt Hill Road spans the Snoqualmie River west of Carnation, It replaces a narrow, deteriorating bridge that is more than 80 years old – and not built to handle modern-day needs. "People in our region depend on safe, reliable transportation systems to get them to and from home, work, and recreation opportunities. They are vital to our region’s economy and our quality of life," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "Throughout the region, bridges, local streets, and other facilities are vital to our core transportation system. Failure of these structures would be catastrophic in terms of human and physical costs,” said Sims. “The new Tolt Bridge was built to withstand the demands of modern life while honoring the natural beauty of the lower Snoqualmie Valley." The new bridge is approximately 165 feet upstream from the old bridge. It is wider and stronger making it safer for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The old bridge, built in 1922, had limited sight distance, a narrow roadway, and restricted weight limits. It also did not meet current seismic, safety, or roadway design standards. Learn more... |
King County hosts national climate change leaders
King County is hosting the event in coordination with the Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP) as part of its Urban Leaders Adaptation Initiative. The program is aimed at ensuring the resilience of communities to the irreversible impacts of climate change no matter how much greenhouse gases are reduced. The Rockefeller Foundation has contributed a grant of $900,000 over three years for use by the participating cities and counties: Chicago, King County (Wash.), Los Angeles, Miami-Dade County (Fla.), Milwaukee, Nassau County (N.Y.), Phoenix, San Francisco and Toronto. With this significant new funding from the Rockefeller Foundation, CCAP’s Urban Leaders program is partnering with the Urban Leader cities and counties to advance the climate policy discussion beyond greenhouse gas emissions reductions to ensure that state and local governments are considering climate change as a key factor when making decisions about infrastructure development, transportation, land use and resource management. Related information
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King County named one of the Best Places to Work locallyIn addition to living in one of the most progressive, successful counties in the country, local residents have another reason to add to the list of what make this area special: King County government has been named one of the region's Best Places to Work in the non-profit or government category according to Seattle Business Monthly magazine. The selection is the result of an annual survey sent out to more than 3,000 Puget Sound-area businesses identified as potential Best Places to Work through past surveys, research, reader tips and interviews with company or agency staff, executives and HR professionals. Companies and agencies with the highest overall scores and best management practices made the cut. Learn more.... |
Future secured for Eastside trail
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Enjoy the weather, avoid open water dangers
With hot weather ahead, residents should think twice before dipping into the dangerously cold waters in this area. Each year, King County residents die when they venture into these waters without appropriate lifesaving gear and lifeguard protection. In late spring, even as the weather warms up, King County lakes and Puget Sound are still extremely cold, and snowpack melt feeds rivers that are running deep, cold and swift. Public Health is urging all residents to use extreme precaution in activities around open water. "No matter what the outside temperature reads, late spring is not a good time to be swimming in local rivers, lakes or in the Sound," said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County. "Even the best swimmers with lifejackets are at risk for serious trouble in the cold water." Learn more...
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Taxpayers and the Earth save 'green' with King County's environmental purchasing policy
A new report shows taxpayers in King County are saving money while safeguarding the environment through the county's Environmental Purchasing Program. And it's no small amount of cash. By purchasing $41 million worth of items such as recycled paper and toner cartridges, biodiesel and hybrid cars, King County realized a savings of $875,000 when compared to purchasing those items a year ago. "This is a significant savings for the taxpayers of King County, and for the environment as a whole," said County Executive Ron Sims. "Our Environmental Purchasing Program is proof positive that making wise, 'green' choices makes environmental and fiscal sense." Learn more... |
Future secured for Eastside trail
Last week, the The King County Council unanimously approved Executive Ron Sims' proposal to purchase a priceless corridor in public ownership forever for use as a trail and to preserve its potential for transportation options in the future. Acquisition of the corridor was first proposed by the Executive in 2006. After significant negotiation and collaboration with community partners, the new three-way interlocal agreement calls for the Port of Seattle to buy the Eastside Rail Corridor from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company ("BNSF") for $107 million and for King County to buy an easement from the Port for a trail along the corridor for $1.903 million. Learn more... Related information
County environmental work continues beyond Earth Day
Earth day may be over, but it's still the perfect time to start living greener. Hundreds of visitors to King County’s fifth-annual Earth Day Expo learned that simple, everyday actions at home and at work can go a long way to improving our environment and quality of life. "It’s never been easier to live green," Executive Ron Sims annouced. "From transportation choices, to yard and garden products, and even things for your home—there are easy, Earth-friendly practices and products available. More and more, we are all learning that living green is more affordable than ever, and in fact is likely to save you money." Learn more.Related information
Shelter dogs and cats to get new space and less crowding New cat cages, dog runs, more staff and continued operational reforms are among immediate upgrades to conditions at King County's aging animal shelters that are part of a joint proposal from the County Executive and County Council that would also create a policy framework for a model animal welfare program.
Nearly $1 million worth of immediate, short-term shelter and operating improvements were proposed today as the result of negotiations between the Council and Executive Ron Sims. The funding will reduce crowding and the spread of disease at shelters in Kent and Bellevue that house approximately 13,000 stray, abandoned and neglected animals each year. In addition, Councilmembers Julia Patterson and Dow Constantine are introducing legislation to create a long-term strategic plan to provide recommendations on whether the County should build a new shelter, reorganize the delivery of animal services among different agencies, or reorganize animal services in partnership with other providers. Learn more...Related information
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County employees put on their sneakers and joined Executive Sims for a lunchtime walk in support of the American Heart Association's 2nd annual National Start! Walking Day.
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Community dedicates Steve Cox Memorial Park
The White Center community came together today to honor one of their fallen heroes by dedicating Steve Cox Memorial Park, named for the King County Sheriff's deputy who was killed in the line of duty a little more than a year ago. The celebration included a grand opening of the park's newly renovated Mel Olson Stadium.
"Deputy Cox used athletics as a means of reaching out to local youth and connecting with them in a personal way," King County Executive Ron Sims said to the hundreds of community members who gathered under overcast skies to witness the renaming ceremony. "Deputy Cox's commitment to this community – his community – will not be forgotten, and renaming this park in his honor is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary man," Sims said. Learn more... Related news
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Sims receives national award for health reform The groundbreaking health care reform initiatives of King County Executive Ron Sims have been recognized with a prestigious national award.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), a Washington, D.C. non-profit and a leader in advancing health care quality, has tapped Sims for its 2008 Health Quality Award for his work founding the Puget Sound Health Alliance and pioneering the county's employee wellness initiative. Sims is joined in this national recognition by Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Arkansas Surgeon General Joseph Thompson.
"Ron Sims has taken an innovative approach to improving the health of the residents and employees of King County," said Margaret O'Kane, President of NCQA. "He has demonstrated leadership by bringing an impressive group of stakeholders together to improve the quality and efficiency of health care in the Puget Sound region while containing health care cost increases." To tackle rising health care costs, King County has taken the unique approach of investing in employees' health rather than cutting benefits. The county's Healthy IncentivesSM program has surpassed national standards for participation and produced impressive rates of health improvement for employees. In 2008, 89 percent of employees chose to participate in the wellness program, which offers lower out-of-pocket expenses to those who enroll. Since the program began two years ago, more employees have moved into lower risk categories for developing health problems in the future by losing weight, exercising more and eating better. Learn more... |
Sims praises achievements of local youth at 21st annual Paul Robeson Scholar-Athlete Awards
The award is named after Robeson (1898-1976), an internationally acclaimed African American singer, actor, athlete and scholar who was the third African American to graduate from Columbia University Law School. The awards program was co-founded by King County Executive Ron Sims and Lt. Ronald Sylve of the Seattle Police Department (retired) when the two were coaching youth football. Related information |
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King County mobile home park buyout will relocate residents from harm’s way
For public health and safety reasons, King County is acquiring the 20.42-acre property, and will work with Cedar Grove residents to move them to higher ground. There are 41 occupied mobile homes on the property, which is located in a dangerous floodplain. "Local government has no higher mission than protecting its residents, and the best way to protect Cedar Grove residents is by relocating them to safer areas of our community," said King County Executive Ron Sims. The mobile home park was severely flooded three times by the Cedar River in the 1990s. Risky emergency evacuations through fast-moving flows were required to save the residents each time. As river water infiltrated the mobile home park's septic and drinking water systems, unhealthy conditions persisted well after the floodwaters receded. Learn more... Learn more
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County’s new hybrid truck delivers on two fronts
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Metro estimates biggest ridership gain in 10 years
These preliminary estimates will be finalized in March, but it is believed to be the largest annual ridership increase for Metro in the past 10 years. Breaking down the numbers shows that Metro had 365,000 boardings on an average weekday in 2007 – the equivalent of the entire population of the cities of Bellevue, Federal Way, Kent and Renton boarding a Metro bus on a single weekday. Related information
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Executive joins Governor to announce 520 bridge replacement plan
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Video: From a crown to a King
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Sims shares King County's plans to support Puget Sound Partnership
In a report transmitted to the Metropolitan King County Council today, Executive Ron Sims shared the county's Puget Sound recovery work to date and its vision for supporting the Puget Sound Partnership. "This report makes plain King County's commitment to ensuring that our wide-ranging work improving water quality, reducing toxics, protecting and restoring habitat, and increasing awareness about what the public can do to make a difference, will complement the overarching effort of the Puget Sound Partnership," Sims said. Learn more... Related information
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County and partners at work to end homelessness
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December 2007 |
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Leaders gather to dedicate Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center
County Executive Ron Sims formally presented a memorial plaque that will be posted in the building that commemorates Maleng's life and tireless pursuit of justice for the people of King County. "Norm could have no greater honor than the naming of this important Regional Justice Center in his memory," said Maleng's widow, Judy. "Mark and I are extremely touched and gratified by this generous action and wish to thank the King County Executive, County Council, and all others involved in making this possible." Learn more.... |
Support County parks with holiday stamps
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Executive Sims speaks before the US Senate's Committee on Environment and Public Works
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Port to acquire BNSF rail corridor
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An unexpectedly sharp drop in sales tax revenues, a softening local economy and continued high fuel costs are sparking a closer review of a Metro Transit fare proposal currently before the Metropolitan King County Council. Sales tax revenues are Metro's primary source of funding.
Ron Sims is 2008 County Leader of the Year
The wife and son of late King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng were among the dozens who joined King County Executive Ron Sims at Harborview Medical Center Tuesday for the grand opening of its new Norm Maleng Inpatient Expansion Building. 
King County Executive Ron Sims today vowed the county will do all it can to prioritize programs, innovate, find efficiencies and reduce costs as he laid out the steps he is taking to deal with the projected $68 million 2009 budget deficit. Sims called on the region's leaders to join him in finding permanent solutions to the growing budget crisis in King County and counties statewide.
Reducing the suffering from the expected water shortages, floods and other results of climate change is the goal for Urban Leaders in nine metropolitan areas including King County. The county is hosting the first meeting of the cities and counties leading the way building resiliency in their communities and providing a model for governments around the world. 
Ron Sims and Port CEO Tay Yoshitani signed a 42-mile eastside rail to trail deal Monday, May 12. Last week, the The King County Council unanimously approved Executive Ron Sims' proposal to purchase a priceless corridor in public ownership forever for use as a trail and to preserve its potential for transportation options in the future. 
King County Executive Ron Sims and Port CEO Tay Yoshitani signed a 42-mile eastside rail to trail deal Monday, May 12. 
Executive Sims celebrates National Start Walking Day
It's been nearly a year since King County unveiled its new logo. It has received critical acclaim, a national award and has been a great success representing King County and its work. Watch the unveiling of King County's new logo in March 2007 and hear the story of the nearly two decade-long effort to change King County's namesake from a 19th century slave owner to the Civil Rights Leader and Nobel Prize Laureate, Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. 
Even as the public awaits an overall Puget Sound Partnership (PSP) action plan due this fall, King County is aggressively integrating its long-standing efforts to restore and protect Puget Sound so that they work hand in hand with the new state agency.
People from across the county and from all walks of life are coming together as never before to create real solutions to homelessness - building new housing units, improving access to treatment services and other supports, and working to keep people off the streets where we can. Please take a few minutes to hear from just some of the people involved in our Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness and go to www.cehkc.org to see how you can help.
King County Executive Ron Sims testified today before the US Senate's Committee on Environment and Public Works, Chaired by Senator Barbara Boxer on America's Climate Security Act S 2191. The Executive is one of five speakers invited to discuss the legislation. Executive Sims' testimony focused on the need for policies and incentives for local governments to reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled per person. 
