[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 13, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E413-E414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF DOW CONSTANTINE
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HON. PRAMILA JAYAPAL
of washington
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Dow
Constantine, who is stepping down after 16 years of service as King
County Executive. Throughout his tenure, Dow has been a transformative
leader, driving significant progress in our region with a relentless
focus on equity, sustainability, and community well-being. His
leadership has made a lasting impact not only in King County, but
throughout our entire region. Thanks to Dow's leadership and his
commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, Martin Luther King, Jr.
County will remain a welcoming place for all to thrive.
Dow has brought significant positive change to King County. A few
notable achievements including the creation of a bold climate action
plan, protecting immigrant communities, expanding affordable housing,
leading efforts to address homelessness, advancing mental health
initiatives and promoting sustainable transportation. His
administration created over
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3,800 affordable housing units and acquired 1,400 supportive housing
units through the Health Through Housing program. Dow supported the
creation of the King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission (KCIRC),
provided funding to immigrant-serving organizations and reinforced King
County's commitment to being a welcoming community. He launched the
Crisis Care Centers initiative, providing essential care and reducing
the burden on emergency rooms and jails. Dow's commitment to
environmental conservation resulted in the protection of 30,000 acres
of land and the restoration of 500 acres of fish and wildlife habitat,
including the successful resurgence of the Kokanee salmon population.
Through his advocacy for sustainable transportation, he expanded King
County Metro with the launch of eight RapidRide routes and growing the
Link Light Rail network to 51 stations.
Dow's leadership has always been grounded in the values of equity,
public service and collaboration. His legacy will continue to inspire
future leaders to carry forward the work of building a stronger
community that serves all people. As he moves on to serve as CEO of
Sound Transit, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Dow's
accomplishments and service to our country. On behalf of Washington's
7th Congressional District, I thank Dow for making King County a more
inclusive, sustainable, and just place to live.
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