Executive Zahilay announces new Regional Relationship Managers
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced four additions to his team who will help the County be better connected to the communities we serve.
“One of the ways my administration is showing up differently is through our new Regional Relationship Managers,” Executive Zahilay said.
“This is a new team structure that reflects our commitment to being in community. These leaders are a key part of how the Executive Office stays connected to communities across King County. They build relationships, stay grounded in what’s happening across regions, and help inform how we respond as a County.
They work alongside cities, community organizations, businesses, and residents to surface priorities, strengthen coordination, and help ensure our work is responsive to local needs.
Our Regional Relationship Managers bring deep experience, trusted relationships, and a strong understanding of the communities they serve.” Read more.
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Executive announces new Executive Order to break the cycle of homelessness, addiction, and incarceration
Good afternoon team,
This morning, I hosted a press conference to announce a new Executive Order to address the interconnected crises of homelessness, substance use disorder, untreated behavioral health needs, and repeated involvement in the criminal legal system impacting the health and safety of communities throughout King County.
Breaking the cycles of homelessness, behavioral health needs, addiction, repeated legal system involvement are distinct and deeply intertwined activities. We cannot address the full scope of the homelessness crisis without addressing behavioral health and addiction. And we cannot effectively do any of that without bringing people inside and staying inside while they receive the supports they need to recover and re-enter our community. Too often, people navigating these challenges encounter systems that respond in isolation rather than together. I know we can do better on this forward as neighbors, community members and as a government to truly break this cycle.
Today, I announced a series of actions that were directly informed by final recommendations from my transition team, which included a diverse coalition of local elected officials and leaders in housing, human services, labor, philanthropy, and more. Read more.
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Introducing the new look and digital experience for Making Life Easier
Making Life Easier (MLE) is rolling out a refreshed digital experience on April 1, 2026—including an updated website and a brand‑new mobile app. These updates bring a modern look and new features designed to make support even more intuitive, connected, and easy to access for King County employees and anyone living in their household.
Whether you’re seeking emotional support, work‑life resources, or guidance for everyday challenges, the new experience helps visitors take the next step with confidence. Read more.
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North Bend Police hosted its first “Coffee with a Cop” event
Crossposted from the KCSO Employee Newsletter
North Bend recently hosted its first “Coffee with a Cop” at Huxdotter Coffee, which gave community members a relaxed opportunity to sit down, enjoy a cup of brew, and chat with incoming KCSO North Bend Chief of Police Ed Hall, who spoke with residents and answered their questions.
One attendee added a special touch to the gathering. Retired King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Deputy Paul Schwenn stopped by to say hello. Schwenn and Chief Hall worked together for several years on the Metro BEES team.
Chief-to-be Ed Hall becomes the Chief of Police when KCSO officially begins its Police Services interlocal agreement, going into service as North Bend’s police department, beginning April 1.
Pictured: From left to right, incoming North Bend Chief of Police Ed Hall and retired KCSO Deputy Paul Schwenn.
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KCSO reports significant decrease in crime across King County
Crossposted from the KCSO Employee Newsletter
The King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) recently released information for 2025 Crime Stats in this press release. It highlighted a 22% drop in the crime rate across the County. Sheriff Cole-Tindall sat down with several news outlets to talk about the great work KCSO employees are doing to achieve this impressive decrease.
“Our goal, we believe, and our job is to reduce crime and the fear of crime,” said Sheriff Cole-Tindall. “We will continue to do the work that we’ve been doing.”
Check out her interview with KIRO TV below, and learn more about the work KCSO is doing at their Crime Data and Statistics page.
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DAJD makes history broadening opportunities for immigrant residents
In October 2025, King County’s Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) discovered that 38 corrections officers, who were hired in good faith and are legally authorized to work in the United States, could not serve as law enforcement officers under the state’s immigration status requirement, at that time. If those officers were removed from service, despite being federally authorized to work, King County detention facilities would face a nearly 20% staffing vacancy rate, creating significant public safety concerns, mandatory overtime for remaining staff, and delays in court and medical transports.
“Immigrant residents who are federally authorized to work should have the opportunity to find employment and build a life with dignity in King County, including pursuing careers in public service. This bill helps create a more diversified pool of candidates and opens the door for more people who may be considering careers in law enforcement, helping address the underlying staffing crisis,” says Girmay Zahilay, King County Executive.
As one team unified around one mission, King County’s Executive Office Government Relations team and DAJD partnered with Senator John Lovick and other state legislators to prioritize changing the law so county staff could keep their jobs and continue their important work. On March 18, 2026, Governor Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5068, aligning employment eligibility standards for corrections officers with federal work authorization requirements to address staffing shortages. This historic moment marked a renewed commitment to public service and strengthened the county’s ability to serve its communities. Read more.
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Combatting stigma with personal stories: Portraits of Public Health
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
Lana is a nurse and educator, who uses her own immigration story to build trust with other new arrivals to discuss the stigmatized topic of tuberculosis (TB). For World TB Day on March 24, we’re proud to celebrate her and the incredible work of our TB Program.
Hi, Lana! What work do you do at Public Health?
I’m a registered nurse and I work as an educational specialist for Public Health’s Tuberculosis (TB) Clinic. I share awareness about TB, how to get tested, and treatment options. We educate the community because TB is very stigmatized. Read more.
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Community Service Area Liaisons are here to help unincorporated King County
Crossposted from King County Local
Do you know who your Community Service Area Liaison is? If you are in unincorporated King County, you have one of three liaisons assigned to your area.
Community liaisons play various roles (public advocate, information clearinghouse) but their main job is to help you navigate your local government.
If you have a question about Permits, Road Services or the Department of Local Services, they can help. If you have a question about Public Health – Seattle & King County, Sheriff’s Office, Assessor’s Office or any other King County department, they can help. If you have an issue with another city or the state, they can help by guiding you in the right direction.
You can find our liaisons in your community, including regularly scheduled community office hours, meetings and events. Read more.
Pictured: The three Community Service Area Liaisons for unincorporated King County. From left to right: Mason Thompson, Clem Benton, and Bong Sto. Domingo.
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Executive Zahilay celebrates Women’s History Month
Women’s history is made every day in King County. As a husband and a father to two daughters, I am reminded daily of my responsibility to help build a world that uplifts and empowers women and girls. We recognize March as Women’s History Month, and I want to take this opportunity to celebrate women leaders across our county, highlighting their extraordinary contributions to our work, our communities, and our shared history.
My cabinet is shaped by women who embody strong leadership and public service for their teams and our communities. Read more.
Pictured: From left to right, Dr. Sandra Valenciano, Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall, Director Lorraine Patterson-Harris, Executive Girmay Zahilay, Deputy Director Amber Green, General Manager Michelle Allison and Office of the Executive Chief Operating Officer Hyeok Kim. Due to scheduling conflicts, not pictured here are DCHS Director Susan McLaughlin and DHR Acting Director Megan Pedersen.
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Executive officially proclaimed March 24 as Nowruz
This March, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recognized Nowruz, the Persian New Year, celebrated for over 3,000 years by more than 300 million people worldwide. Meaning “new day,” Nowruz marks the arrival of spring and a time of renewal, hope, and fresh beginnings.
On March 24, the official Nowruz proclamation was presented to Refugees & Immigrants Support & Empowerment (RISE) Affinity Group leadership by Jasmin Weaver, Chief of Staff to the King County Executive, and Megan Pedersen, Chief People Officer, highlighting the County’s commitment to recognizing and uplifting immigrant and refugee communities.
Traditions such as gathering with loved ones, sharing meals, and preparing the Haft-Seen table reflect values of health, prosperity, and resilience. Here in King County, Nowruz also honors the rich cultures and contributions of our immigrant and refugee communities.
For RISE, this celebration reflects our commitment to inclusion and belonging, creating space for employees to feel seen, valued, and connected. As the season changes, Nowruz reminds us that every new day brings an opportunity to grow, reconnect, and begin again.
Pictured: Members of the RISE Affinity Group with Jasmin Weaver, Chief of Staff to the King County Executive, and Megan Pedersen, Chief People Officer. Photo credit: Brian Chu, Executive’s Office.
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