Showing posts with label king county. Show all posts
Showing posts with label king county. Show all posts

King County Crisis Care Centers initiative

Sunday, June 23, 2024

King County Executive 
Dow Constantine
King County Executive Dow Constantine’s plan to implement the Crisis Care Centers initiative was unanimously approved by the King County Council, ushering in one of the largest investments in the region’s behavioral health system in decades.

King County is investing more than $1 billion over the next nine years to expand access to crisis care services, creating five new walk-in facilities where people experiencing a behavioral health crisis can receive help. Together, the centers will aim to serve as many as 70,000 people annually.

“We’re facing a behavioral health crisis and there is an urgent, growing need for care. That’s why at King County, we’re building a behavioral health system that is connected, accessible, and culturally responsive — providing the help people need and deserve,” said Executive Constantine. 
“In partnership with councilmembers, cities, providers, workers, and community members, we’re putting this plan in action to open the first crisis care center as soon as possible.”

The implementation plan authorizes $57 million for early investments this year to boost the county’s existing crisis services ahead of the centers opening, including:
  • Expanding the number of 24/7 mobile crisis response teams for adults and youth from 20 to 32, investing $3 million to increase coverage across the county to help reach more people.
  • Directing $15 million in funding to up to three residential treatment facilities to preserve the current supply of community residential treatment beds and prevent further loss.
  • Building on Crisis Connections’ work to embed crisis counselors in 911 call centers in South King County by investing $500,000 to expand the program to additional locations across the county.
  • Supporting recently announced actions to stop the surge of opioid overdose deaths.

King County Councilmember
Girmay Zahilay
“Two years ago, we brought together partners from around King County and put forward a proposal to transform the way we help people in mental health and addiction crisis,” said King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, lead sponsor of the levy legislation. 
“Today, we cleared the final milestone before that proposal can become a reality: the Council has adopted the Executive’s detailed plan for how nearly $1.2 billion will be spent to build crisis care centers around the region, expand mental health beds, and invest in our healthcare workforce. This is a powerful moment in our region’s history and will give a lot of people hope for recovery.”

The King County Department of Community and Human Services, DCHS, will begin implementing the early investments. To kick off the process of determining locations for the first three crisis care centers, DCHS will release the first request for proposals. All five crisis care centers are planned to be fully operational by 2030.

“The Crisis Care Centers initiative is a direct response to the continued closures and reduced capacity in the face of growing need for behavioral health services. At a time when we are losing beds, treatment options, and critical workforce, every action counts. The early strategies this year help us bring more workers into the field to respond to the call when someone is at their most vulnerable.” said DCHS Director Kelly Rider. 
“Informed by the experiences of people with lived experience accessing behavioral health services, workers providing behavioral healthcare, behavioral health and community-based organizations, and other community members, King County is investing in the most urgently needed services and transforming an inadequate system to restore pathways to recovery.”

 

View the video on You Tube

Three Priorities of the Crisis Care Centers Initiative
  1. Create five crisis care centers: Distributed geographically across the county, the centers will provide walk-in access for mental health and substance use services and short-term stays to help people recover, with one center specifically serving youth.
  2. Preserve existing residential treatment beds and create 115 new beds: Make capital facility investments to build back capacity lost in recent years.
  3. Invest in the behavioral health workforce: Create career pathways through apprenticeship programs and access to higher education, credentialing, training, and wrap-around support. It will also invest in training programs and worker incentives to help recruit the crisis care centers workforce.

King County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Division launched the Workforce Development Learning Collaborative in May to share best practices, resources, and investments to strengthen the behavioral health workforce. 

Starting in 2024, community behavioral health workforce investments will total $7.5 million to:
  • Create new training pathways for licensed providers.
  • Grow the apprenticeship program led by SEIU Healthcare 1199NW Training Fund, creating a pathway for more than 100 new apprenticeships.
  • Sustain and expand labor-management workforce development partnerships.
  • Begin training the future crisis centers workforce.

King County will continue to partner with state agencies and legislators to address key priorities across the behavioral health continuum. Partnership at the state and local level is essential to increase foundational Medicaid funding as well as capital and crisis services investments that match the community’s needs. 

King County’s robust community-based behavioral health provider network will also play a lead role in future crisis care centers around the region.

The Initiative is funded by the voter approved Crisis Care Centers Levy.


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Another drug bust in King County

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Confiscated drugs and guns
Photo courtesy King County

Last week, our Precinct 4 Special Emphasis Team (SET) concluded a two-month narcotic investigation into a drug trafficker who was transporting money and narcotics for the Sinaloa Cartel. 

The investigation touched the city of Burien, involved multiple search warrants, and over 100 hours of surveillance in the Puget Sound area.

The investigation resulted in the following:
  • 2.8 pounds of Fentanyl powder
  • 5000 Fentanyl / M-30 pills
  • 10 grams of Cocaine
  • 3 handguns
  • 1 AR-15 style short barrel rifle w/60 round drum magazine
  • 3 vehicles seized
  • $182,249.00 cash seized

Confiscated guns
Photo courtesy King County

One suspect was booked on narcotics related charges. Narcotics and firearms wreak havoc on our King County community, stealing futures and leaving behind an ever-lasting impact on families. We are committed to removing these destructive forces from our streets and enhancing safety within our neighborhoods.

Dow Constantine, King County Executive
Burien Police Department
Shoreline Police Department


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Dr. Jeff Duchin to retire as Public Health Office for Seattle - King County

Friday, March 15, 2024

Dr. Jeff Duchin to retire as Public Health Officer 
for Seattle & King County on July 1, 2024
Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County and a nationally-recognized public health leader and communicable disease expert, today announced his retirement from the county after 30 years of distinguished service.

His retirement will go into effect July 1, 2024. Public Health Director Dr. Faisal Khan is appointing Dr. Mia Shim as Interim Health Officer while a national search is conducted.

“Dr. Duchin has served our community with unflappable dedication and distinction, helping improve our quality of life and elevating King County’s stature as a public health pacesetter,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
“His expertise and leadership during the first COVID outbreak in the nation in King County drew praise from around the country. 
"Under his guidance, King County’s sustained response to the pandemic has led the nation, holding illness and death rates to among the lowest in major counties, while focusing on equity as a guiding principle in our work. I’m grateful for his wise counsel and for his long record of accomplishment on our behalf.”

Duchin joined Public Health – Seattle & King County in 1994 as a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Medical Epidemiologist assigned to Public Health’s TB and HIV programs, and was named as Chief of Public Health’s Communicable Disease Epidemiology & Immunization Section in 1998. Since 2015, he has served as Health Officer for King County.

More information here


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Urban League to operate severe weather shelter in Shoreline starting Wednesday

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

St. Dunstan's to host emergency shelter again

St. Dunstan's Church at 722 N 145th St, Shoreline, WA 98133 will once again house a severe weather shelter but this time it will be staffed by the Urban League instead of local volunteers.

It will open on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 8pm for single adults and couples. Walk-ins are welcome but calling ahead to confirm a bed is available strongly encouraged. (206) 837 - 2746

Urban League can arrange transportation to the shelter for those in need via the shelter phone number (206) 837 – 2746.

As with most emergency shelters, guests will need to leave by 7am the next day.

It will be open this time from January 10 - 16, 2024.

The King County Regional Homeless Authority has been working with Urban League and St. Dunstan's to set up the North King County Severe Weather Shelter since the previous shelter, staffed by volunteers from NUHSA, closed down at the end of winter weather in 2023 after operating from 2018-2023. (more information here). 

  • Current information about shelter operations can be found at the KCRHA shelter page 
  • Mary’s Place operates an intake line for all family shelter placements. 206-245-1026.
  • Daytime warming centers are at several local libraries: Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, plus the Kenmore Hanger.

The shelter is not able to accept donations at this time. If anyone is interested in donating supplies, they should contact Camp United We Stand which is currently being hosted by St Dunstan's. Contact information can be found on the camp's website.

--Diane Hettrick

Updated with information about family placements at Mary's Place, and transportation to St. Dunstan's.


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King County Council approves $782 million Doors Open levy for access to science, heritage, and the arts in King County

Sunday, December 17, 2023

On Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the King County Council unanimously passed a new levy that will provide nearly $800 million in projected funding for access to science, heritage and the arts in King County over the next seven years.

The Doors Open science, heritage and arts levy will fund equitable access, support programming in public schools, and increase tourism and revenue, and feed the workforce pipeline to the arts and culture sector through a 0.1% sales tax.

Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, the measure’s prime sponsor, said
“The Council’s overwhelming support speaks to the legislation’s countywide benefits and resounding focus on equity. 
"It will live up to its name by ensuring that new start-up organizations will receive opportunities for essential funding to open their doors, and that more than 500 arts, science, and heritage organizations will have the resources they need to keep their doors open.

“Beyond that, these organizations can now expand their partnerships and programs in underserved communities where they will reach youth, seniors, homeless populations, victims of trauma, memory care patients, public school students, and so many more, while opening new doors for our youth to inspire them for their future. 
 
Co-sponsored by Councilmembers Claudia Balducci and Sarah Perry, the Doors Open program is part of a decade-plus long effort to provide stability and growth for the cultural sector, and it arrives at a critical moment following the dramatic economic impacts the pandemic had on the arts and culture community.

Through an average annual cost of $40 per family, the levy will help the arts and culture community not only rebound from pandemic cuts and closures – particularly in marginalized or otherwise disadvantaged communities – but flourish to new levels with more funding than has ever been spent through public programs in King County.

By comparison, 4Culture, the designated funding agency for Doors Open, had expenditures of roughly $16 million in 2021. The measure builds on similar successful initiatives adopted locally in Tacoma and nationally in Denver, CO.

A full 15% of Doors Open expenditures will go to public school students, where art and music programs are being cut to balance budgets. 

Annually, that’s at least $12 million to support partnerships, field trips, before- and after-school programs, transportation and admission costs, internships, free or discounted ticket programs and more.

Funding through the program will be dedicated to geographic equity, supporting the communities most hurt and isolated by the pandemic and its ongoing impacts, while also seeding new funding to grow additional cultural centers across King County.

Businesses rely on arts and culture organizations to drive tourism and revenue. The arts and culture sector accounts for 10.8% of the state’s gross domestic product, roughly $72.8 billion. Doors Open spending will provide a direct return on investment for the local economy.


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King County Prosecutor: 80+% Increase in charged homicide and firearm cases

Friday, December 1, 2023

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has
86.5% more charged homicide cases in 2023 vs. 2019

From the blog of King County’s elected Prosecutor, Leesa Manion
Published on Medium

In November of 2023, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has 86.5% more charged homicide cases and nearly 83% more charged firearm cases when compared to the same month in 2019.

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office team that responds to these cases is called the Most Dangerous Offenders Project, or MDOP.

MDOP Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys are on call 24/7, 365 days a year, and are frequently called on in the middle of the night to respond to homicide scenes, assist detectives with search warrants, etc. 

The Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys who respond to these calls see the case through from start to finish, in what’s known as a vertical prosecution model.

In 2023 (through November 2), MDOP has responded to 144 callouts (potential homicide scenes) and there have been 123 confirmed homicides. In approximately 20 of those 144 callouts, the victim survived or the cause of death was ruled an overdose, suicide, or accident.

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has
83% more charged firearm-involved cases in 2023 vs. 2019

Of the confirmed gun violence homicides in 2023, 82% were people of color and 20% were ages 18–24.

MDOP began with 7 Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys, 1 chair, 2 paralegals, and 1 victim advocate, but in response to the increase in homicides in King County since 2019 the team has expanded. Today, there are 13 MDOP Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys, with each attorney handling between 14–25 filed homicide cases.

The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office’s top priority continues to be addressing people charged with repeat offenses and responding to serious, violent cases. These serious, violent cases are not only at historic levels, but also take significantly more time and resources to prosecute compared to less serious crime types. 

Throughout King County, the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is charging felony gun crimes every day, charging repeat property offenses each day, staying in constant communication with law enforcement, working proactively with community groups to prevent tragedies and recidivism, and tracking every reported gunshot with our Crime Strategies Unit and sharing those reports publicly.


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Dr. J. Matthew Lacy appointed as Chief Medical Examiner for King County

Saturday, August 26, 2023

Dr. J. Matthew Lacy appointed 
Chief Medical Examiner for King County
Public Health has announced the appointment of Dr. J. Matthew Lacy, as Chief Medical Examiner for King County, following a national search. 

He succeeds Dr. Richard Harruff, who recently retired after a 30-year career in the King County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Dr. Lacy has most recently served as Chief Medical Examiner for Snohomish County. He previously served as an Associate Medical Examiner in Snohomish, Pierce and King Counties.

“Dr. Lacy stood out as an exceptionally well-qualified candidate, with his knowledge and expertise in the field, the strong relationships he's built with local and state partners, and his deeply humane leadership qualities. 
"He's a remarkable addition to an already outstanding office,” said Dr. Faisal Khan, Director for Public Health – Seattle / King County. 
“I want to thank Dr. Harruff for his distinguished service to our community, creating an office of high professional standards and enduring commitment to its mission of investigating deaths in King County with compassion.”

Dr. Lacy brings a range of valuable experiences to his work, having authored over a dozen peer-reviewed publications and is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Washington State University’s Floyd College of Medicine. 

He's a member of the Washington State Coroner and Medical Examiners legislative committee, serves on the state's Forensic Investigations Council, and is a trained National Association of Medical Examiners inspector. In addition to his training in medicine and pathology, he also holds a law degree.

“The public health focus of the King County Medical Examiner’s Office has been a national model for improving the safety and health of our communities through death investigation work. I am incredibly excited and humbled by this opportunity to make a contribution to one of the premiere death investigation teams in the country,” said Dr. Lacy.

The King County Medical Examiner's Office brings trained medical evaluation to the investigation of sudden, violent, unexpected, and suspicious deaths that occur in King County. 

In addition to determining the cause and manner of death, the office works to provide accurate identification of decedents under their jurisdiction, and to notify the next of kin and provide compassionate support to families. 

The office has been continually accredited with the National Association of Medical Examiners since 1978.

Dr. Lacy will begin his position with King County this fall.


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Marissa Aho named as King County Climate Director

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Marissa Aho appointed as 
King County Climate Director
King County Executive Dow Constantine has appointed Marissa Aho – a highly experienced leader in climate action and resilience planning – to serve as Climate Director, overseeing King County’s work to address climate change and advance its Strategic Climate Action Plan.

“Marissa has an exceptional background to lead King County’s Executive Climate Office, bringing with her nearly a decade of expertise in strategy and policy planning around climate action, environmental justice, resilience, and sustainability,” said Executive Constantine. 
“We look forward to her leadership as King County continues investing in solutions and taking bold action against the looming climate crisis.”

Aho (pronounced AH-ho) grew up in Washington state and joins King County after two years as the Policy Director and Chief Resilience Officer for the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 

In that role, she developed and implemented agency plans and policies focused on climate action, equity and environmental justice, and tribal relations and partnerships.



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Bleeding control kits to be distributed across the region

Tuesday, June 27, 2023


More than 1,700 bleeding control kits will be distributed to community locations across the Puget Sound region. These kits, along with simple training, help the public provide basic life-saving assistance to stop bleeding before first responders can get there.

King County Office of Emergency Management is coordinating the purchase and distribution of the kits in King County, and to its partner emergency management agencies in the cities of Seattle and Bellevue, and Snohomish and Pierce counties.

Bleeding control kit
These “Stop the Bleed” kits will be distributed as part of a multi-year initiative. Along with the placement of the kits, the community locations receiving the kits commit to providing training on the use of the kits, either in-person or online. Funding for the bleeding control kits comes from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants that promote community resiliency.

The purpose of the bleeding control kits is to encourage the general public to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives.

“We have seen time and time again that if initial bleeding from a severe injury can be stopped quickly, the likelihood of a better outcome increases,” said King County Medic One Chief Andrea Coulson.

Community members can learn bleeding control skills at any time.

“Unfortunately, we have all been seeing an increase in the frequency of incidents across the country,” said King County Emergency Management Director Brendan McCluskey. “We hope these kits are never needed, but if they are, we want them in places where they can be most useful in saving lives, much like AEDs in public places have improved the chances of survival for heart attack victims.”

King County is expecting to purchase more bleeding control kits in the coming grant cycles. The hope is that these kits will provide the impetus for more community and other high-occupancy facility owners to learn about and purchase their own kits. 

Each bleeding control kit contains a tourniquet, gauze, and other medical supplies. The kits have an easy-to-follow guide on how to stop immediate bleeding, and a QR code that takes the user to a quick video training.

The “Stop the Bleed” program is administered by the American Colleges of Surgeons. According to its website, the campaign “was initiated by a federal interagency workgroup. The purpose of the campaign is to build national resilience by better preparing the public to save lives by raising awareness of basic actions to stop life-threatening bleeding following everyday emergencies and man-made and natural disasters.”

FEMA’s Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) assists high-threat, high-density Urban Area efforts to build, sustain, and deliver the capabilities necessary to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism. The Seattle region has been designated one of those areas since 2003.


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King County receives Secretary of Defense Freedom Award for support of National Guard and Reserve

Thursday, June 22, 2023

King County has been honored with a 2023 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award in recognition of its support of National Guard and Reserve members.

Only 15 recipients were selected for the award, which is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to small and large private and public sector employers for their exceptional support of employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.

“King County is deeply honored by this award,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
“Military personnel bring an unmistakable can-do attitude, proven effectiveness working in diverse environments, and a rock-solid sense of duty and service, which is exactly what we want at King County. 
"We are committed to supporting our Guard and Reserve employees and their families, and we are stronger for their contributions – as an employer and a community.”
More information here


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King County honor for NUHSA Executive Director Silje Sodal

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Silje Sodal with Councilmember Rod Dembowski

On Tuesday, June 13, 2023 @Councilmember Rod Dembowski presented the MLK Medal of Distinguished Service to Silje Sodal, Exec Director, North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA).

NUHSA advocates for a strong, accessible health and human services system in our north-end cities.

NUHSA is a coalition of service providers, advocates, faith communities, cities and elected leaders who advocate for a strong and accessible health and human services system in the north-end cities of Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell and Woodinville.

She oversees and manages the strategic direction and operations of NUHSA and particularly enjoys the role NUHSA has in convening stakeholders and building local and regional partnerships to better serve residents.
 
“I was proud to award the Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service to Silje Sodal, for her outstanding contributions to human services and community needs in North King County,” said Dembowski. 
“While working with Silje on an array of issues over the years I have always been struck by her tireless efforts and positive attitude. Silje has made a substantial impact on the lives of many, and her selfless commitment is an inspiration to us all. It is an honor to recognize her extraordinary service, and I look forward to continued partnership and collaboration with her on vital issues of importance to North King County.”
 
Originally from Colorado where she served in the Lt. Governor and Governor’s Office, Silje moved to Seattle to attend the UW School of Public Health, focusing on maternal and child health. She worked at WithinReach on breastfeeding support and promotion and loved the organization so much that she stayed on as a Board member for six years. 

During that time, she also became a doula and chaired the Seattle Midwifery School Board of Directors, supporting initial conversations culminating in the eventual merger with Bastyr University in 2009.
 
While raising her two children, Silje has held multiple leadership roles, first in her local community co-op preschool, and then through PTA at the primary and secondary levels and as Council Co-President and WSPTA Region 6 Chair. 

When the pandemic struck, she and her PTA Council team partnered with the Shoreline School District and community organizations to increase food access and connect families to services, mobilizing to support the most impacted families through food drives and distribution of gas and grocery gift cards. 

They raised over $90,000 in flexible spending support for more than 300 families. Silje also led weekly Community Supports Zoom calls with district, city and community leadership to share information and coordinate efforts, and distributed city ARPA funding through PTA Council to assist families. 
 
She has served with multiple foundation, policy, advisory and curriculum groups, participated in campaigns, and is currently a board leader and committee chair of the Lake Forest Park Rotary Club and Friends of Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park.
 
“The most enjoyable work is done in partnership with others, and I have had the pleasure over the years of working with many exceptional individuals who continue to inspire and motivate me to always do more,”  said Sodal. 
“Building strong, healthy communities where everyone has the opportunity to succeed is everyone’s business – and can only happen if we all work together.”   
 
Silje lives in Lake Forest Park with her husband and two teenagers and loves to hike, ski and spend time with friends and family. 
 
This marks the eighth year that Councilmembers have each selected someone from their district whose work embodies the spirit of King’s question. Councilmember Dembowski authored the original legislation in 2015, establishing the program.
 
Updated 6-15-2023

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King County Council approves sending renewal of Veterans, Seniors and Human Services levy to voters in August

Saturday, May 6, 2023


The King County Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to send to voters a proposal to renew the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services levy for another six years. The current levy is set to expire at the end of 2023.

After the passage of the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy renewal proposal by the King County Council, Executive Dow Constantine issued the following statement:

"I want to thank the King County Council for endorsing this critical renewal today and look forward to voters having their say in August. 
"Through this levy, we can continue to meet veterans’ basic needs, build connections among seniors, and support housing affordability, healthy living, and financial stability across communities.”

The proposal would start out at the same levy rate of $0.10 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2024, and would be projected to generate approximately $564.7 million during the six-year period. 

At that rate, the levy would cost an estimated $83.75 in property tax in 2024 to the owner of a median-valued home in King County (based on 2022 median value of $694,000).

With Tuesday’s approval by Council, the proposal will now be placed on the August ballot for King County voters.


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Crisis Care Centers levy passing with 56% approval

Saturday, April 29, 2023

The King County Crisis Care Centers levy returns are holding steady at a 56.6% approval rate as of Friday, April 28, 2023. The levy only needed 50% to pass.

County Executive Dow Constantine's office released a statement

"King County Executive Dow Constantine applauds the approval of the Crisis Care Centers initiative, a nine-year levy that will create a regional network of five Crisis Care Centers, restore and increase mental health residential treatment beds, and invest in the people who do the difficult, important, and historically underpaid work of providing mental health and substance use disorder services.

"Building upon the unanimous support of the King County Council and city leaders from across the region, voters’ approval of the levy’s generational investment in places for people in crisis to go will create more capacity in hospitals and create therapeutic alternatives to jail. The Crisis Care Centers levy will begin collections in 2024 and is the most significant local investment in behavioral health facilities in county history."

Now approved, the Crisis Care Centers levy will:
  • Create Five Crisis Care Centers: Distributed geographically across the county, the centers will provide walk-in access and the potential for short-term stays to help people stabilize, depending on needs, with one center specifically serving youth.
  • Preserve and Restore Residential Treatment Beds: Slow the loss of residential treatment options that provide behavioral health supportive housing or a psychiatric residential treatment bed for longer-term stays with supports.
  • Invest in the Behavioral Health Workforce: Create career pathways through apprenticeship programming and access to higher education, credentialing, training, and wrap-around supports. It will also invest in equitable wages for the workforce at crisis care centers.
More information here


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April 25, 2023 King County Ballot: Crisis Care Centers Levy

Saturday, April 8, 2023

King County Executive Dow Constantine and a regional coalition of leaders announced a plan in September 2022 to address the behavioral health crisis by creating a countywide network of five crisis care centers, investing in the recruitment and retention of the community behavioral health workforce, and restoring the number of residential treatment beds in the region. 

The plan would be funded by a nine-year property tax levy to treat immediate crisis and support long-term recovery and wellbeing.

In January of this year, the levy was approved by the King County Council to be submitted to voters for approval in April 2023.

“We must do more to deliver the behavioral health care people need, when they need it, especially in a moment of crisis. 

"Today, we are telling the thousands of King County residents in behavioral health crisis, their families, and our communities – help is on the way,” said Executive Dow Constantine. 

“The behavioral health system in this state has long been underfunded and underappreciated. The pandemic added further stress, and need is increasing even as we lose both treatment beds and qualified workers. 
"Now, we can chart a path forward as a region – to create places where people can receive the effective care they need and begin their journey to recovery. This is an opportunity to make the generational investment our region needs.”

The proposal is estimated to cost the owner of a median-value home about $121 in 2024. The levy would continue through 2032, generating a total of $1.25 billion to stabilize and strengthen King County’s behavioral health crisis care system.

Financial impact for homeowners: John Wilson, King county assessor, has a tool to let individual property owners see the specific financial impact of levies. See it here to compute the financial impact of this specific levy.


Ballots for the levy are now arriving in local mailboxes, along with a local voters' pamphlet. Besides the Executive and County Council, the levy is endorsed by Seattle Metropolitan Chamber, MLK Labor Council, and SEIU 1199NW. The opposing statement is written by Tim Eyman, Jim Coombes, and Suzie Burke.

The Seattle Channel has a forum on the levy which can be viewed here.

For questions about this measure contact Dan Floyd, Deputy Director, King County Behavioural Health and Recovery Division, 206-263-8961, Daniel-DCHS.Floyd@kingcounty.gov


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Executive Constantine proposes a new eight block civic campus in downtown Seattle

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

King county administration building
Photo courtesy King County
King County Executive Dow Constantine delivered his 2023 State of the County address to the King County Council Tuesday, March 7, 2023 that highlighted progress in the last year and continued work ahead, including the need for action in the state Legislature to avoid budget cuts this fall.

In his address, Executive Constantine launched the Civic Campus initiative, a proposal to reimagine the courthouse neighborhood, and proposed building a Sound Transit light rail station on the site of the King County Administration Building. 

He also urged the legislature to remove the 1% cap on the county’s primary funding source, and build statewide solutions to behavioral health.

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Weigh in on King County Regional Homeless Authority's 5 Year Plan

Monday, February 6, 2023


The King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) is drafting its 5 Year Plan.

You can provide feedback in their survey until February 8, 2023.

Survey here: 
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/8faaa73923904cd3814865de200db997

Add your voice about this major policy and massive public investment - for, against, or something in between!

There are links to the documents and summary on the KCRHA.org website. It takes 10-15 minutes to complete the survey, including the reference documents.

The Seattle Times ran a comprehensive article on January 26, 2023 with additional information https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/ending-homelessness-in-king-county-will-cost-billions-regional-authority-says/



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CDC National Health Survey is coming to King County

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Dr. Faisal Khan, Director of Public
Health Seattle-King county
The CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey will be surveying randomly selected households in King County beginning January 4, 2023. 

Begun in 1960, the NHANES is the most comprehensive survey of health and nutritional status of the U.S. population, with data informing national health policy, programs and care. 

Each year, NHANES selects different U.S. counties to survey, and this year King County will be surveyed. 

Randomly selected King County households will be mailed a letter inviting them to be a part of the study and are strongly encouraged to participate.

“I’m so pleased that our community was selected to participate in this year’s study,” said Dr. Faisal Khan, Director of Public Health — Seattle - King County. 
“I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to participate to do so. The information provided by our residents will help us to better inform our policy makers and provide us with important information as we make decisions on how to best use our public health resources to meet the needs of our community.”

Since 1960, NHANES has had a prominent role in improving the health of all people living in the U.S. 

NHANES data address critical health concerns, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Public health officials, legislators, and physicians use this information to develop evidence-based health policies, direct and design health programs and services, and expand the health knowledge of the nation. NHANES data also help produce national references and standardized growth charts used by pediatricians across the country.

NHANES collects a broad range of data that affect the lives of everyone in the country, regardless of age, addressing everything from air quality to the low-fat and “light” foods found in grocery stores.

Study participant selection and study involvement

An NHANES team of health professionals, nutritionists, and health technicians is heading to King County and urges everyone who has been selected for the survey to participate.

Residents will have an invitation-only opportunity to participate in NHANES. Addresses are randomly sampled within the county. By selecting participants this way, when combining data from all counties visited this year, NHANES data can more accurately represent the U.S. population.

Benefits of participating in NHANES, if selected:
  • Participants receive a free and comprehensive health and nutrition evaluation.
  • Participants help develop and evolve national health programs and policies.
  • Participants receive a token of appreciation for their time.
All information collected in the survey is kept confidential and individual privacy is protected by law. NHANES is taking all precautions needed, as recommended by the CDC, to keep survey participants and staff safe by following guidelines on social distancing, use of personal protective equipment, handwashing, and sanitation of the mobile examination center and all equipment.



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Massive investments in public safety, transit, and housing headline approved 2023-2024 King County Budget

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

County Councilmember Rod Dembowski
The King County Council on Tuesday approved a $16.2 billion budget to fund King County for the next two years. 

The 2023-2024 biennial budget includes funding for clean energy, affordable housing, public transit, protecting the environment, improving community safety, behavioral health and more.

Councilmember Rod Dembowski: "I'm proud of the work we have done to adopt a budget that reflects our values and priorities: safer communities, housing our unsheltered neighbors, protecting our environment and responding to the needs of those most impacted by COVID. 
'The budget is balanced, protects our financial reserves, and helps ensure we maintain our top-tier bond rating, which saves taxpayer dollars. It's been a privilege to serve on this year's Budget Leadership Team and I thank the public and my colleagues for their thoughtful engagement in our budget work."

Highlights of funding in the budget include:
  • $220 million to convert Metro to all-electric buses by 2035
  • $166 million to fund affordable housing near transit centers, supportive housing operations and coordinated crisis response efforts to homelessness
  • More than $50 million to fund environmental improvements and protections, including restoring fish passage habitat, removing nitrogen and chemicals from wastewater, and expanding access to heat pumps and solar panels for homeowners in unincorporated King County
  • $55 million for community safety, including efforts to reduce gun violence, new Metro transit security and community engagement staff, body worn cameras for King County Sheriff’s deputies, creating pathways away from jail for our youth and more

Building on the strong initial proposal put forth by Executive Dow Constantine in September, councilmembers worked to ensure the budget added key funding for pandemic recovery, public safety, and human services. Council changes added roughly $76 million to the original proposal of $16.14 billion. 

Some of council’s added provisions include:
  • $35 million Equitable Recovery Initiative, including funding for supportive housing, homelessness support and behavioral health and economic recovery.
  • $6.2 million to safeguard against inflation increases for human services providers, including those providing homelessness, housing and gender-based violence services.
  • $3.6 million for Metro to serve riders now, improve rider experience, clean transit centers, enhance community safety and expand neighborhood engagement.
  • $1.1 million to increase the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight staffing by 55% to ensure robust accountability investigations and community engagement
  • $950k funding for youth programs in detention centers: provide behavioral health, skill-building and safety-enhancing services and staffing for juveniles in detention, including a gang intervention specialist, community-led programming, group and individual therapy sessions, staff trainings and other behavioral health services.
  • $1.8 million in MIDD programs including sexual assault and domestic violence services, art mental health therapy, Naloxone distribution, and RADAR.
  • $24.7 million in new capital investments, including the Little Saigon Community Center, United Indians of All Tribes Foundation Canoe House, Muslim American Youth Foundation Community Center, Children’s Home Society of Washington Resource Center, Fall City Community Center, Hanwoori Garden in Federal Way, and more.
Full budget documents can be found here.


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Executive Constantine: King county's budget reflects our values

King county executive Dow Constantine
King County Executive Dow Constantine released the following statement after the King County Council passed a $15.8 billion biennial budget that adopts major investments in his priority areas focused on:
  • battling the climate crisis and 
  • restoring our environment, 
  • ensuring every person has a home, 
  • building a community where every person is safe, and 
  • uprooting racism and racial disparities:

“This budget is a map of King County’s values – prioritizing investments in our environment, in prosperity, and in communities and populations farthest from opportunity, access, and justice – to make ours a welcoming community where every person can thrive.

“Thanks is due to the King County Council, and especially Budget Chair Joe McDermott, for thoughtful deliberation these past eight weeks since I delivered my proposed two-year budget. I also want to thank and acknowledge all the community members who participated in the budget process to have their voices heard.

“This budget allows us to not only continue transforming the way government operates, to solve problems, and to deliver services to all our residents, but also to show the way for others, regionally and nationally – whether improving quality of life, working for a just society, or ensuring the survival of our planet.

“The collaborative process led by Council Budget Chair McDermott, Council Chair Balducci and others showcases that, together, we can take on the extraordinary challenges of this time and build the future our children deserve.”



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King county council chair applauds voter support of even-year elections charter amendment

Thursday, November 10, 2022

On Tuesday, King County voters sent a clear message that they want to expand democracy by approving King County Charter Amendment 1 and move elections for county executive, assessor, director of elections, and councilmembers to even-numbered years.

“King County voters want to strengthen our democracy by making it easier for more people to vote to elect their County-level representatives,” said King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci, who introduced the even-year election proposal. 
"Already, King County’s elections are one of the most transparent, secure and inviting in the nation, and now with this one simple, commonsense change to King County’s charter, we can make our elections even better.”

The logic behind the proposal is simple: even-year elections regularly see higher voter turnout than odd-years. Since 2010, King County’s average voter turnout rate is 77% in even-numbered years and 47% in odd-numbered years. In 2021, countywide ballot measures and offices had 40 to 41% turnout, while countywide ballot measures and offices in 2020 saw voter turnout between 78% and 80%.

Voter turnout in even-year elections is also more reflective of the electorate. Areas with more renters see a higher odd-year drop than areas with more homeowners, and voters of color have a bigger dip in turnout in odd-years than white voters.

As of Wednesday night, November 9, 2022, Charter Amendment 1 was passing with 69% of ballots in favor to 31% opposed. With this change, people elected to office starting in 2023 or 2025 will serve a three-year term (2023-2026 or 2025-2028) in order to move to an even-numbered year schedule. Subsequent terms, starting in 2026 and 2028, would again be four-year terms.



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