Latest Blog Posts

  1. In the center of the storm

    In the center of the storm So, we’ve all seen the memes that end with the blank stare on the person’s face because they just can’t process what they’ve seen or heard? You can almost hear the crickets … I’ve seen that look for years when I explained...

    Pierce County Executive Blog

  2. In it for the long-term

    In it for the long-term Have you tried to buy a bike, lately?  What about adopting a shelter pet for quarantine company?  These and other popular items are in short supply, thanks to the ripple effect of the pandemic.  In the case of abandoned...

    Pierce County Executive Blog

  3. A roller coaster ride

    A roller coaster ride I like, but don’t love, roller coasters.  I ride them mostly with my son, Colin, who loves them.  The roller coaster rides that I hate are where you can’t see what is coming and have no ability to anticipate and prepare. Well,...

    Pierce County Executive Blog

  4. How are you?

    Many people are facing incredible difficulties in the face of COVID.  Some have lost loved ones, and even worse, have not been able to be in the room when they passed.  In comparison, my loss was not as great, but it still hurt my heart – a lot. My...

    Pierce County Executive Blog

  5. Council Schedule Highlights Week of July 6th, 2020

    Due to Governor Inslee’s Emergency Proclamations 20–05 and 20–28, in-person attendance by members of the public at meetings of the Pierce County Council is NOT permitted at this time. Public participation must be done remotely. Remote attendance and...

    DerekYoung

  6. On second thought

    On second thought In last week’s blog I mentioned our intention to file an application with the state Department of Health to enter Phase 2.5 of the Governor’s Safe Start Order. That was then, and this is now. Since that blog was posted, we’ve seen a...

    Pierce County Executive Blog

  7. Council Schedule Highlights Week of June 29th, 2020

    Due to Governor Inslee’s Emergency Proclamations 20–05 and 20–28, in-person attendance by members of the public at meetings of the Pierce County Council is NOT permitted at this time. Public participation must be done remotely. Remote attendance and...

    DerekYoung

  8. Lots of questions

    Lots of questions This week I gathered with hundreds of you at our second Town Hall.  Many thanks to those of you who took the time to submit questions and participate. There were many questions about the practices and protocols we’re putting in...

    Pierce County Executive Blog

  9. Human Services Committee Leadership

    The Governor’s new order on public meetings allows local governments to resume non-COVID-19 business, while still operating remotely. That means committee meetings resumed this morning. At this afternoon’s Council meeting Councilmember Ladenburg and...

    DerekYoung

  10. Some Good News

    Some Good News From the pandemic to the daily protests rightly demanding equality and justice, we’ve been surrounded by a lot of unhappiness, grief and fear, lately.  While it’s important to be mindful of the events around us, I thought I’d catch my...

    Pierce County Executive Blog

  11. Keep up the good work!

    In case we haven’t met yet, I’m the new director of the Office of Disaster Recovery and I’m honored to draw on my background as an Army general, business leader and physician to help the County recover from the impact of the pandemic. I could almost...

    Pierce County Executive Blog

  12. No justice, no peace

    We have all seen the protest signs this week – and some of you may have even carried them.  The one that hit closest to home for me was “No Justice, No Peace.”  It was on the back seat of a local business owner’s car.  I asked if she had been to a...

    Pierce County Executive Blog

  13. Breaking News!

    This is not the blog I had planned for today.  Normally, I work on these Thursday night – and many times Friday morning.  Well, today I called an audible because I wanted you to know what has gone on to prepare Pierce County to move to Phase 2...

    Pierce County Executive Blog

  14. Council Schedule Highlights Week of May 25th, 2020

    Due to Governor Inslee’s Emergency Proclamations 20–05 and 20–28, in-person attendance by members of the public at meetings of the Pierce County Council is NOT permitted at this time. Public participation must be done remotely. Remote attendance and...

    DerekYoung

  15. Supporting our Communities during COVID-19

    Greetings from Human Services! It’s been a minute (okay, more like 2 months) since my last message out from Pierce County Human Services Department, and how things have changed.  I won’t keep you long, since I know you are all busy and a long weekend...

    HumanServices

  16. Remembering

    However, this year it seems especially appropriate to broaden the rolls we remember on Memorial Day – to add in a few other heroes to the list of those we’ve lost this year. I had planned to be in Washington, D.C. earlier this month to memorialize...

    Pierce County Executive Blog

  17. Pierce County CARES: Free personal protective equipment (PPE) available to businesses

    Pierce County is providing free personal protective equipment (PPE) to county businesses to help them comply with COVID-19 workplace safety practices and protect employees and customers. This program is funded through $158 million in Coronavirus Aid...

    DerekYoung

  18. Be the change!

    I received an email from a Pierce County resident who was concerned with the number of people in our County that don’t seem to be taking this COVID virus seriously. And I have the same concerns. I have also heard from people that have asked us to...

    ConnieLadenburg

  19. I’m listening

    I have enjoyed writing and sharing my blog with you over the last three years.  But, aside from the handful of replies or emails I receive in response to a post, this blog is a one-way dialogue.  That’s why I was excited to host our first-ever...

    Pierce County Executive Blog

  20. Concerns about work release plans

    The Legislature has authorized creating 200 beds for work release between June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2021. Fifty of these beds will be allocated to Pierce County during this period. This action is not COVID-related but is intended to fill a need for...

    ConnieLadenburg