King County DNRP employees continue 24/7 flood response after rapid levee repairs, repurposing trails for emergency responders, treating two billion gallons of wastewater

In a wide range of actions that include rapid levee responses, operating the Flood Warning Program, repurposing trails to assist emergency responders, preparing transfer stations for a surge in debris, and treating more than 2 billion gallons of wastewater, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks employees continue to contribute to a coordinated emergency response to the historic storm. King County Executive Girmay Zahilay on Friday hosted Gov. Bob Ferguson’s press briefing at a levee along the Green River where DNRP’s Flood Patrol discovered a sinkhole that could have potentially caused… Read More

Executive Zahilay celebrates historic appointment of Rhonda Lewis as the new King County Councilmember for District 2 and appointment of Sound Transit board members

Rhonda Lewis was unanimously selected by the King County Council for an interim appointment to District 2. She becomes the first Black woman ever to serve on the Council, and creates the first majority of women in the Council’s history. At the same meeting, the Council unanimously approved Executive Zahilay’s slate of nominations to the Sound Transit Board of Directors. Read more.

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay leads Regional Day of Service on first full day in office

On Wednesday, Nov. 26, his first full day in office, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay held a Regional Day of Service focused on food banks and food security across King County. He encouraged all King County residents to volunteer, donate, or find another meaningful way to support the work of our county’s food banks. This Regional Day of Service corresponds with one of Executive Zahilay’s “Four B’s” guiding his administration – “Boots on the Ground,” making King County government more visible, connected, and community-driven. Read more.

King County’s new chapter with Executive Girmay Zahilay

Originally emailed to employees Nov. 25, 2025 I am honored to write to you for the first time as your King County Executive. Today, we launch a new chapter for King County. I look forward to this journey with you as we serve the people of our region. I’ve recorded a video introducing myself and thanking all of you here. Earlier today, I participated in two swearing-in ceremonies. The first was at NewHolly Gathering Hall and was a very personal event in the same community where I was raised. Around 200 community members… Read More

Executive Braddock on adoption of $20 billion budget for 2026-27 – A reflection of our community’s priorities

King County Executive Shannon Braddock issued the following statement after the King County Council passed a $20 billion biennial budget that adopts major components of her 200-Day Plan and reflects key investments in public safety, housing and homelessness, and behavioral health while preparing for future federal funding uncertainties. “This budget reflects King County’s values, which means delivering a balanced plan that protects essential services, increases efficiency, and reinvests in programs that most benefit our residents. I would like to thank the King County Council for their hard work in passing the budget,… Read More

Executive Braddock announces upgrades to Metro’s Access paratransit service, improving freedom and flexibility for riders with disabilities living in rural communities

Crossposted from Metro Matters Recently, King County Executive Shannon Braddock and Metro announced an improved customer experience for Access paratransit service customers and seniors, especially in rural communities, delivering on one of the key priorities in the Executive’s 200-Day Plan. People with disabilities who live in rural communities and use Access will have an easier time making reservations and enjoy improved on-time arrivals. There are also pilot programs that range from grocery delivery to same-day reservations. These services – alongside new in-person support for Access paratransit, Community Van, and Hopelink – will offer… Read More

As surging utility costs make housing less affordable throughout King County, Executive Braddock brings together partners to develop a more sustainable future

With household costs for utilities projected to rapidly increase each year for the next decade – making housing even less affordable than it is today – King County Executive Shannon Braddock and Sound Cities Association on Friday brought together more than 150 elected officials, regulators, and public works managers from throughout King County to develop a path that both protects the natural environment and reduces the burden on homeowners. A typical single-family household in King County currently pays an estimated $400 per month for utilities, including natural gas, electricity, solid waste, stormwater, sewer, and… Read More

Welcoming Executive-Elect Girmay Zahilay

From Shannon Braddock, King County Executive Dear fellow King County employees, Following last week’s election, we now know that King County’s next executive will be Girmay Zahilay. I want to start by congratulating the Executive-Elect on his successful campaign! We look forward to working closely together over the next two weeks to help his new administration settle in and complete the transition process.   Executive-Elect Zahilay and I are announcing what some of those next steps will look like and who will lead his transition committee. That committee includes four co-chairs:   Katie Garrow, Executive Secretary-Treasurer… Read More

Executive Braddock statement on voter approval of the King County Medic One/EMS Levy

King County Executive Shannon Braddock released a statement on the evening of the Nov. 4 election, thanking King County voters for their approval of the King County Medic One/EMS Levy. “Once again, King County residents have shown their overwhelming support for our Medic One/EMS system, which continues to set the standard for emergency medical response through innovation and exceptional patient outcomes. Our cardiac arrest survival rate is two to three times higher than most areas in the U.S.—a difference that can be measured in lives saved. I’m grateful to voters for ensuring… Read More

Executive Braddock statement on King County’s response to federal government’s delayed SNAP funding

In response to the ongoing need for food security and hunger relief during the federal government shutdown, Executive Shannon Braddock issued the following statement: “The ongoing government shutdown has threatened the health and well-being of individuals and families, particularly those who rely on federal funding and programs for food security. I am heartened to see how strongly our region and state have responded to support those at risk of losing SNAP benefits, from individuals and community organizations to businesses and local governments. Their compassion and support show the strength of our communities… Read More