County Budget

For 2012, the Executive has reached agreement with most employee unions to forego the annual cost-of-living adjustment for the first time since the early 1980s. In addition, the Council adopted her proposal to eliminate the annual COLA for elected officials and shift the decision to a committee of citizens. Newsroom Since 2008, the county government has cut 14 percent of its workforce and approximately $90 million in total spending. For the 2011 budget, worked with agencies and the County Council to reduce spending below 2010 levels. Closed two facilities in Tacoma - the old Puget Sound Hospital on Pacific Avenue and the District Court facility on Hosmer Street - that are inefficient and expensive to maintain. They might be sold in the future due to the value of the land. The Executive held public briefings in Graham, Bonney Lake, South Hill, Midland, Gig Harbor, Tacoma and Lakewood in September/October 2010 to show taxpayers where the county's revenues come from and how they are spent. A copy of her 2011 presentation is available here.

Public Safety

Coordinated the voter-approved plan to consolidate our patchwork 911 emergency communications system into a seamless platform. South Sound 911 will create efficiencies and make first responders and the public safer. Increased the criminal justice system's share of General Fund spending to approximately 79 percent, even in the face of significant budget cuts. Used the veto pen to fight to retain a Superior Court judge's position and fill the vacancy as quickly as possible. Assisted the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department with informing the public about the availability of the H1N1 flu vaccine. Actively working on flood control issues including working with stakeholders of the Executive's Puyallup River Task Force and the County Council. Completed a Public Works and Utilities project to reduce flooding near 84th and Canyon, while improving wildlife habitat. Combined code enforcement officers from two agencies to increase service and eliminate redundancies as they investigate complaints and assist property owners. More than 500 people and 50 agencies participated in the 2009 Shake 'n Quake exercise to test emergency preparedness in the event of an earthquake. Launched Pierce County ALERT, which enables the public to sign up to receive emergency alerts in a number of ways, including e-mails and text messages.

Sustainability

Set aggressive goals for recycling, solid waste and energy and fuel usage in order to reduce the county government's impact on the environment. Reduced energy costs in government buildings by 13 percent. Increasing the number of alternative-fuel vehicles in the county fleet, including the purchase of three electric cars. Secured a federal stimulus grant to pay for several energy efficiency projects, such as replacing the bulbs in 76 traffic signals with LED lights. Link to the Office of Sustainability.

Executive Management

Merged the departments of Human Services and Community Services after determining that efficiencies will lead to more services being delivered to the public. This includes closing the old Puget Sound Hospital and moving into more efficient leased space. The new agency is called Pierce County Community Connections. Invited Washington State Auditor Brian Sonntag's team to assess the performance measures used by 22 Pierce County departments to inform management decisions and promote accountability and transparency to the public. The report and performance management training provided by the State Auditor will improve services to citizens by setting better targets, measuring what matters and balancing measures to reflect both operations and outcomes. Eliminated double health care coverage for judges and required all county employees to pay a portion of their premiums for the first time. Implemented the 'How are we doing?' program that enables customers to comment on the delivery of county programs and services. Analyzed county boards and commissions and recommended eliminations or modifications to save money. Adopted an e-mail retention policy that meets state requirements and earned an award from the Washington Coalition for Open Government. Initiated a project to make Planning and Land Services the 'Best Permitting Agency' in the state. Among other things, the new online system makes it easier to apply for permits and track their progress. Signed an agreement with Tacoma-based Chuckals Office Supply that saves taxpayers money while supporting local jobs. Produced a two-page document called Budget Report 2010 that summarizes where county revenues come from and how spending is prioritized.

Transportation

Organized a coalition of 100+ governments, businesses, labor unions and others to successfully secure funding for state highway projects in Pierce County. Managing projects to widen Canyon Road, Waller Road and 176th Street. An assortment of technology upgrades to the Pierce County ferry system improves safety and security, increases information for riders and better manages operating costs.

Economic Development

Managed preparations for the nationally televised U.S. Amateur Championship at Chambers Bay in August 2010. The event, which drew attendance of 33,700, exceeded sales and attendance goals and sent a strong message of community support to the USGA. Working with the USGA and other partners to plan for the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay, which will be the equivalent of hosting a Super Bowl. Serving as co-chair of the Pierce County Aerospace Cluster Team, which seeks to maintain and grow the industry presence. Boeing and nearly 100 suppliers in the county employ thousands of our residents. Working with a consortium of federal, state and local partners to address traffic and growth issues around Joint Base Lewis-McChord to assure the base's positive economic impact on Pierce County. Consolidating codes and practices to improve the building permit process. Partnering with the City of Lakewood to replace old septic systems in the Woodbrook and Tillicum neighborhoods with connections to the county's sewer system, which will help spur economic development. Sparked the negotiations that led to the Orton Junction agreement, which clears the way for a jobs-building mixed-use development near Sumner while permanently protecting 500 acres of farmland. The News Tribune called this 'a precedent for building tough land-use protections into future decisions on urban growth.'

Environment

Partnered with the state and PCC Farmland Trust to pay for the development rights that keep 100-acre Orting Valley Farms operating in perpetuity; we are pursuing other opportunities. Partnered with Cascade Land Conservancy and the state to purchase Devils Head, a 94-acre property on the southern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula that will help protect salmon habitat while providing a spectacular new recreational opportunity. Worked with McChord AFB and the state to preserve 6 miles of fish habitat along Morey Creek. Used an innovative, fish-friendly system of concrete blocks and logs to stabilize a section of the Puyallup River levee. Created 'fish-friendly' car wash kits that fundraising groups can borrow.

Parks and Recreation

Opened the Bridge to the Beach, which gives the public access to 2.5 miles of Puget Sound shoreline at Chambers Creek Properties for the first time in a century. Opened the 36-acre Ashford County Park. Found an affordable solution to fix the most critical problems at the aging Sprinker Recreation Center. Added an off-leash dog area to the amenities at Chambers Creek Properties. Transferred nine Gig Harbor-area properties to PenMet Parks and the state as part of a strategy to preserve treasured open spaces.