The following is written by King County Executive Dow Constantine:

Meaningful accomplishments in government require years of persistent, determined effort.

In 2015, the work we’ve done to build partnerships, conduct research, marshal resources, and measure performance resulted in some of my administration’s greatest achievements to date.

I am especially proud of Best Starts for Kids, an initiative I proposed to invest earlier in our community’s youngest residents. We brought together researchers, service providers, educators, policy experts, and community leaders to create a performance-driven, prevention-oriented approach—and voters approved a six-year levy to fund it.

Several of our accomplishments place King County at the forefront of national movements, including income inequality, climate change, and paid parental leave. We again embraced emerging technologies to make our operations more efficient and bring us closer to our goal of being the nation’s best-run government.

As Sound Transit continued to deliver light rail projects under budget and ahead of schedule, I accepted re-election as Chair of the agency’s Board. The work we have invested in regional mobility sets the stage for a major breakthrough this spring when University Link opens for business.

I look forward to what we will achieve together next year to ensure King County remains one of the most vibrant, prosperous regions in the United States.

1. Voters approve Executive’s Best Starts for Kids initiative

Best Starts for Kids is a six-year initiative proposed by Executive Constantine. It is the most comprehensive approach to childhood development in the nation, investing in prevention and early intervention so that more children and youth in King County reach adulthood healthy and ready to succeed.

2. Metro launches nation’s leading reduced-fare transit pass

To help confront the region’s growing inequity, King County created the ORCA LIFT reduced fare program for low-income bus riders. By helping residents get to higher-paying jobs, educational opportunities, and more, ORCA LIFT expands access to opportunity throughout the region. Read the New York Times’ coverage.

3. Expanding regional light rail service

Sound Transit made major strides in 2015 toward completing 34 miles of light rail extensions. Service to Capitol Hill and the UW will open in March, under budget and ahead of schedule. Voters can approve Sound Transit 3 this November, extending light rail to Ballard, West Seattle, Redmond, Tacoma, and Everett. Watch video.

4. Historic investment in arts and culture

Executive Constantine signed legislation to enact “Building for Culture,” the largest one-time investment King County has made to build new cultural facilities, as well as expand, preserve, and improve existing ones. More than 100 arts and cultural organizations will share $28 million in capital improvement grants. Read more.

5. Creating affordable housing around transit

More than 700 units of workforce housing would be created in mixed-use, mixed-income communities built around transit centers under a plan announced by Executive Constantine, who also serves as Sound Transit Board Chair. The Transit-Oriented Developments would include housing, shopping, schools, and job centers. Read more.

6. Adopting one of the nation’s boldest climate action plans

King County signed into law one of the most ambitious climate action plans in the United States. It provides a roadmap for the region to reduce carbon pollution, increase transit, protect open spaces, improve recycling options, and prepare for climate change impacts. Read more.

7. National leader in offering paid parental leave

King County is now one of about a dozen governments across the country to offer up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Executive Constantine proposed the program so that employees have more opportunity to connect with their newborn children, and to help recruit and retain talented workers. Read more.

8. Major step toward Convention Center expansion

A deal between King County and the Washington State Convention Center secured a critical parcel needed to construct the new center’s Addition. The agreement also secured an ongoing revenue stream to support King County Metro Transit service for the next 30 years. Read more.

9. Regional Animal Services achieves record pet-save rate

Now in its fifth year of operation, Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) is saving the lives of nearly nine out of every 10 animals that come into care. This is one of the nation’s highest pet-save rates, and exceeds the goal set by Executive Constantine as part of his 2010 animal care and control reform plan. Read more.

10. State of the County addresses region’s growing inequity

While King County is one of the most prosperous counties in the state and the nation, it also shares some of the greatest disparities. Executive Constantine addressed the region’s growing inequity and introduced Best Starts for Kids at a special meeting of the Metropolitan King County Council. Watch video.

11. Addressing racial disparities in juvenile justice system

The number of youth in juvenile detention has dropped from a peak of 205 in 1999 to a low of 45 last year, but racial disparity is growing. King County leaders announced new actions to end racial disproportionality, decriminalize homelessness and mental illness, and partner with schools and communities. Read more.