King County Executive Dow Constantine praised recently appointed Leon Richardson as the new director of King County’s Department of Local Services. Richardson previously served at the County Department of Community and Human Services, where he played a crucial role in establishing vital assessment and recovery centers at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Within weeks, he developed King County’s vaccination infrastructure, ensuring equitable access and distribution. Additionally, he managed a $400 million eviction and rent assistance program and oversaw the renewal of the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy.
Constantine praised Richardson’s operational excellence and strategic vision, appointing him to lead the department that serves as the local government for the unincorporated areas. Richardson will begin his new position on July 22, pending confirmation by the King County Council. Interim Director Danielle de Clercq will continue as the department’s deputy director.
“Leon Richardson brings a wealth of experience convening and leading people to strive toward common goals, as is evident from his exceptional work at the helm of the Adult Services Division of the Department of Community and Human Services. Now he will lead King County Local Services into its next phase, connecting the quarter-million residents of our unincorporated jurisdiction to their local government,” said Constantine. “Unincorporated King County is diverse in every imaginable way, but the people all share a goal – making their communities great places to live, work, play, and learn, and Leon understands that. I congratulate Director Richardson on his new role, and I am excited for the department as it begins this new chapter.”
Richardson expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I am deeply honored by this opportunity to serve as the director of King County Local Services. Leading such a dynamic and innovative organization is a dream come true. I am grateful for the trust and confidence from Executive Constantine and look forward to working with the Local Services team to serve the community. I’m excited to continue the amazing work this team has been doing to push boundaries, foster creativity, and make a lasting impact. I am especially eager to partner with community to ensure that our work is responsive to the needs of unincorporated King County.”
Richardson began his tenure with King County in 2019 as deputy director of the Adult Services Division in the Department of Community and Human Services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he oversaw the formation of three regional assessment and recovery centers to reduce the strain on hospitals, protect first responders, and offer services in multiple languages. This work required extensive coordination and cross-functional partnerships, all accomplished within two weeks.
In 2021, Richardson, as director of the Adult Services Division, led the renewal of the six-year, $550 million Veteran, Seniors, and Human Services Levy and managed a $400 million eviction prevention and rent assistance program. Both initiatives demanded strategic planning, organization, and vision.
Before his time at King County, Richardson served in the U.S. Army, where he developed and implemented a robust plan to bring humanitarian aid to East Africa.
In his new role, Richardson will lead the county’s newest department, which began operations in 2019. The Department of Local Services has 550 employees and serves as a “city hall” for residents and businesses in unincorporated King County, connecting them to local government services. The areas served include Skyway, White Center, the Snoqualmie Valley, Greater Maple Valley, the Enumclaw Plateau, and Vashon Island.
The department has two divisions: Road Services, responsible for 1,500 miles of county roads, bridges, and traffic signals, and the Permitting Division, which issues land use decisions and residential and business permits. Local Services also manages programs that directly benefit communities, including the annual Alan M. Painter Grants and the Community Service Areas, Subarea Planning, Participatory Budgeting, Economic Development, and Community Needs List programs.
Richardson’s leadership is expected to drive the department forward, ensuring that the diverse needs of King County’s unincorporated communities are met with innovative and effective solutions.