King County has its first new Executive in 15 years. 

Dow Constantine, who held the position since 2009, was chosen as the CEO of Sound Transit earlier this year. He stepped away from the Executive job at the end of March.

In his place, Shannon Braddock is leading the county until a new executive is elected this November. Before this she worked mostly behind the scenes in various roles for the county over the last 15 years, including Deputy County Executive. 

County business waits for no one and Braddock is holding the position at a challenging time. King County is facing a roughly $150 million dollar general fund budget deficit and is dealing with uncertainty over federal grants.

How does Braddock intend to lead the second largest government in the state of Washington? 

Well, she has a blueprint for that. At yesterday’s council meeting, she released her 200 day plan for her time in office. 

Guest:

Shannon Braddock, King Count Executive

Relevant Links:

Seattle Times: Shannon Braddock is King County’s first new leader in 15 years. Who is she? 

Seattle Times : Maneuvering and lack of trust as King County seeks a new executive 

The Urbanist: King County Council Appoints Shannon Braddock Acting Executive in Constantine’s Wake

PublicCola: Could a Sales Tax Hike for Criminal Justice Programs Save the County’s Budget?

 

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

King County has its first new Executive in 15 years.&nbsp;
Dow Constantine, who held the position since 2009, was chosen as the CEO of Sound Transit earlier this year. He stepped away from the Executive job at the end of March. In his place, Shannon Braddock is leading the county until a new executive is elected this November. Before this she worked mostly behind the scenes in various roles for the county over the last 15 years, including Deputy County Executive.&nbsp;
County business waits for no one and Braddock is holding the position at a challenging time. King County is facing a roughly $150 million dollar general fund budget deficit and is dealing with uncertainty over federal grants.
How does Braddock intend to lead the second largest government in the state of Washington? Well, she has a blueprint for that. At yesterday&rsquo;s council meeting, she released her<a href="https://cdn.kingcounty.gov/-/media/king-county/depts/executive/constantine/news/documents/200-day-agenda.pdf?rev=9e774e3e5b1d43a6a78a4c9b85c4a098"> 200 day plan</a> for her time in office.&nbsp;
Guest:
Shannon Braddock, King Count Executive
Relevant Links:
Seattle Times:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/shannon-braddock-is-king-countys-first-new-leader-in-15-years-who-is-she/">Shannon Braddock is King County&rsquo;s first new leader in 15 years. Who is she?&nbsp;</a>
Seattle Times : <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/maneuvering-and-lack-of-trust-as-king-county-seeks-a-new-executive/">Maneuvering and lack of trust as King County seeks a new executive&nbsp;</a>
The Urbanist: <a href="https://www.theurbanist.org/2025/04/02/king-county-council-appoints-shannon-braddock-acting-executive-in-constantines-wake/">King County Council Appoints Shannon Braddock Acting Executive in Constantine&rsquo;s Wake</a>
PublicCola: <a href="https://publicola.com/2025/04/28/could-a-sales-tax-hike-for-criminal-justice-programs-save-the-countys-budget/">Could a Sales Tax Hike for Criminal Justice Programs Save the County&rsquo;s Budget?</a>
&nbsp;
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Soundside

New King County Executive Shannon Braddock is stepping into the position at a challanging time. The county is facing a roughly $150 million general fund budget deficit and is dealing with uncertainty over federal grants.

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