Waste-to-energy plant in Hamburg, Germany.

Waste-to-Energy Showcase

Two years ago, I got interested in solid waste disposal as King County began looking at alternatives in preparation for the closure of Cedar Hills, the county’s last landfill. The closure of Cedar Hills is currently scheduled for 2016, with the possibility of extension to 2021 with the implementation of additional recommendations. Last March, I went on a study mission to Germany to talk with top government officials and scientists and to learn about advanced thermal reclamation using new, environmentally responsible technology. I hosted a Waste-to-Energy Showcase night featuring video and interviews from the study mission, a question-and-answer session, and presentations by an expert panel.  Watch the Complete Presentation. Requires RealOne Player.

Participating in the review of the County's “constitution”

The King County Charter, which was adopted in 1969, is the County’s constitution. It provides our fundamental framework for local governance. The Charter specifies that at least once every ten years a citizen commission review the charter and recommend changes. In January, the Commission began reviewing the Charter and will send its recommendations to the County Council next year. I have already submitted a list of 44 suggestions (pdf, 45KB) to the Commission for their consideration. Learn More...

Affordable housing crisis

A quiet crisis of housing affordability is growing in King County. Despite our expanding economy and record housing sales, too many middle- and lower-income families cannot find housing they can afford, and housing prices continue to increase. Read my Op-Ed in the Seattle Times.