Sims and union coalition reach tentative agreement on county budget

All King County employees, with the exception of essential safety and transit staff, would take ten days unpaid furlough in 2009 under the terms of an historic agreement reached today with the King County Union Coalition to help with the unprecedented $93.4 million 2009 budget deficit.

Executive Ron Sims thanked the Coalition for their desire to be part of a budget solution and their recommendation to the rank and file of 15 unions to approve the plan that will save $10.1 million next year. Learn more...

County's AAA bond rating renewed during financial crisis

Citing exceptional management, conservative financial policies and the Executive's 2009 proposed budget, two national credit rating agencies have given their highest short-term bond ratings for King County and reaffirmed the county's exemplary ratings on all previously issued long term bonds, including each agency's highest AAA rating for certain long term bonds. The high ratings were renewed despite…Read more...

Related information

King County budget: A renewed charter, Seattle Post Intelligencer editorial

Executive delivers thoughtful, balanced 2009 budget

King County Executive Ron Sims today unveiled a $4.9 billion 2009 budget that uses efficiencies, savings, reserves, fees, program cuts, and employee lay-offs to balance a projected $93.4 million General Fund deficit. At $644 million dollars, the proposed 2009 General Fund is $15 million less than 2008, the first time since 2003 the General Fund has been lower than the previous year.

All major program areas see a decrease in 2009. The Executive made $38.2 million in permanent reductions, efficiencies and revenue increases, $13.1 million in salary savings, $5.7 million in overhead savings and used reserves and other changes totaling $15.4 million. Read more...

Approved 2008 Comprehensive Plan promotes equity, predictability and environmental protections

King County Executive Ron Sims’ 2008 Comprehensive Plan update was approved today by the King County Council. This is the first of King County’s Comprehensive Plan updates to address global issues such as climate change and equity and social justice. Read more....

Sims to host annual UAC forum

King County residents are invited to join County Executive Ron Sims when he hosts his joint annual forum to meet with the chairs and members of the six recognized King County Unincorporated Area Councils (UACs).

Executive signs land deal

King County Executive Ron Sims signed a purchase and sale agreement with Yarrow Bay Group for the 156 acre Summit Pit property making possible future housing for a broad range of incomes in southeast King County, new parks and trails and millions in new revenue for the City of Maple Valley.

115 county bridges strengthened

Crews are hammering home the last braces and bolts of the final bridge in a 14-year effort to retrofit 115 King County bridges at risk for damage or destruction during an earthquake.

Sims is 2008 County Leader of the Year

Calling the King County Executive's collaborative, holistic approach to problem solving "the genius" in his leadership style, American City & County Magazine today named Ron Sims the County Leader of the Year for 2008.