King County Executive Dow Constantine and Renton City Councilmember Ed Prince discussed their collaborative efforts to address the pressing issue of gun violence. The conversation, hosted by Trae Holiday at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre, shed light on the innovative strategies being implemented at both the county and city levels.

A Regional Approach

Recognizing the interconnectedness of communities, Executive Constantine emphasized the importance of a regional approach. "Each city and the county has its kind of own authority and responsibilities. We identified that as a real problem," he stated. This realization led to the creation of the Regional Peacekeepers Alliance, an initiative aimed at engaging trusted community voices to prevent gun violence.

Councilmember Prince echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for collaboration across city borders. "Issues don't have borders," he remarked. "It's all of our problems."

Community Engagement

Both leaders stressed the significance of community engagement in their efforts. Executive Constantine highlighted the Gathering Collaborative, a platform designed to share power with the community and identify solutions. "All of these things involve community engagement," he affirmed. "It's a very different model than has been used in the past."

Councilmember Prince encouraged residents to actively participate in mentorship programs and community organizations. "Get out there, get engaged, be involved in the community and take action," he urged.

A Call for Continued Collaboration

Host Trae Holiday commended the collaborative spirit of the leaders and called for continued efforts to involve residents in finding solutions. "We're looking to you to figure out the ways to partner, the ways to open up pathways for us to participate," he stated.

The interview underscored the commitment of King County leaders to address gun violence through innovative, collaborative strategies that prioritize community engagement.