King County Executive Dow Constantine tapped as Sound Transit CEO with up to $650K salary
Sound Transit is officially nominating a new CEO, and it's a familiar name to King County residents: Executive Dow Constantine.
The Sound Transit Board of Directors made the announcement Monday after having previously named Constantine as a finalist. The board said they picked him out of 60 applicants.
'Being CEO of Sound Transit is a tough job with many constituencies to serve, and Dow has proven over his career in public service that he can deliver large capital projects, successfully oversee a major transit agency, and foster partnerships across our region that are essential to make Sound Transit function at the highest possible level,' Snohomish County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Somers, Pierce County Executive and Sound Transit Board Vice Chair Ryan N. Mello, and King County Council member and Sound Transit Board Vice Chair Claudia Balducci wrote in a joint statement.
Appointment process plagued by claims of conflict-of-interest
The appointment was not without controversy. The process to pick the next Sound Transit CEO has been criticized as secretive and some have called out a conflict of interest with board members appointed by Constantine being the ones to hire him to a six-figure salary. The Seattle Times reported the transit CEO could make up to $675,000 annually.
The board is set to vote this Thursday to appoint Constantine as head of the agency. The 63-year-old already sits on the Sound Transit Board—he'll recuse himself from this week's vote.
Constantine is expected to step down from serving as county executive, a position he's held since 2009.
Sound Transit faces series of issues
The announcement comes as the agency has faced a series of technical issues and closures. In January, MyNorthwest reported months-long service disruptions. MyNorthwest also reported on several violent incidents that occurred onboard trains and on platforms last year.
'We know this is a crucial time for the agency, and there are difficult and complex discussions on the near horizon, along with reforms that will require knowledge and commitment to continue forward,' the statement from officials continued. 'These include operational and maintenance challenges that need to be addressed immediately by an incoming CEO, increased accountability measures, as well as rising financial pressure from inflation and economic uncertainties. As board leaders, our priority remains delivering on the voter-approved ST3 package, while operating a safe and dependable system,' the statement continued.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Gold futures surge above $3,500 to all-time high amid U.S. tariff concerns
This story was originally posted to Gold futures hit an all-time high of $3,534 on Thursday after reports of the White House's plans to issue an executive order imposing tariffs on gold. A White House official told Reuters that an executive order is expected in the near future, which would provide clarity for misinformation regarding tariffs on gold bars and other products. Gold futures spike to an all-time high after tariff report Gold futures are standardized contracts that agree to trade gold at that time, but with a settlement day in the future. The terms, including the amount and price, are decided when the contract is made. The settlement day is when the actual trade takes place, with the delivery and payment being conducted. Invest in Gold Thor Metals Group: Best Overall Gold IRA Priority Gold: Up to $15k in Free Silver + Zero Account Fees on Qualifying Purchase American Hartford Gold: #1 Precious Metals Dealer in the Nation December U.S. gold futures were priced at $3,452 per ounce at 7 p.m. Thursday, before rocketing upwards to $3,534 as of 10 p.m. following the report. 'Gold's panic ascent shows that even safe haven assets are not immune to the volatility unleashed in the confusion of the tariff age,' Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said, according to Reuters. The U.S. gold futures continuous contract has increased 40.05% in the past year. The gold futures increase has outpaced the E-Mini S&P 500 futures continuous contract by more than double in the same period, with the S&P only up 19.99%, as of this reporting. Analysts have noted that they are still awaiting further clarity on the executive order. A U.S. tariff on gold deliveries could crucially affect Switzerland, as it holds the status as the world's leading country for gold refining and delivery, according to Reuters. Switzerland is subject to U.S. import tariffs of 39%, although the country is continuing to discuss with the United States about reducing the current tariffs. 'We are particularly concerned about the implications of the tariffs for the gold industry and the physical exchange of gold with the U.S., a long-standing and historical partner for Switzerland,' Christoph Wild, president of the Swiss Precious Metals Association, stated. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection claimed this week that one kilogram and 100 ounces of gold bars will not be excluded from the tariffs. 'It must be noted that this clarification does not apply exclusively to Switzerland but to all 1kg and 100oz gold cast bars imported into the USA from any country,' the Swiss Precious Metals Association said. Follow Jason Sutich on X. Send news tips here.
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Yahoo
Jacobs to design $7B Seattle light rail extension
This story was originally published on Construction Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Construction Dive newsletter. Award: Light rail extension design Value: Not disclosed, entire project cost between $6.7 and $7.1 billion Location: Seattle Client: Sound Transit Sound Transit selected Dallas-based Jacobs to provide design services for the up to $7.1 billion West Seattle Link Extension, which aims to enhance connectivity for residential and economic centers and offer faster, more reliable service, according to a July 17 news release from Jacobs. The extension will add 4.1 miles of light rail, a new bridge, tunnel and four new stations, linking Seattle's SODO neighborhood with West Seattle's Alaska Junction neighborhood, according to the project website. The project will also be the catalyst for new development near stations, including retail and affordable housing. Jacobs will lead Phase 1 design and design validation for the project, per the release. The cost of the contract was not disclosed. "Jacobs has delivered some of Puget Sound's most critical transportation solutions for 70 years, including approximately 30 miles of light rail system expansions for Sound Transit," said Jacobs Executive Vice President Ron Williams in the release. Those include the Northgate Link Extension Project and the I-90 portion of the Eastlink project, according to Jacobs. Planning began in 2017, per the project website. The Sound Transit Board selected route and station locations for the West Seattle Link Extension Project in October 2024, and the Federal Transit Agency approved the extension in April, allowing it to move to the final design phase. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, and the line is expected to begin service in 2032. Recommended Reading McCarthy, Jacobs finish construction on $373M hospital tower
Bloomberg
26-07-2025
- Bloomberg
A Court Ruling Is Shaking Up the UK's Restructuring World
The Court of Appeal's Petrofac decision overturned a deal that had been rubberstamped by the High Court — and now risks torpedoing other cases awaiting judgment. By Save Welcome to The Brink. I'm Constantine Courcoulas, a reporter in London, where I'm looking at challenges for some companies seeking to restructure in the UK. We also have news on New Fortress Energy and flooring manufacturer Victoria. Follow this link to subscribe. Send us feedback and tips at debtnews@ The rules of the game are changing for companies that plan to use UK courts to restructure their balance sheets.
