Sharing proposed investments in housing, transportation, and infrastructure in my $746 million supplemental budget with you
Dear King County team, Today, I transmitted a $746 million supplemental budget proposal to the King County Council. This is our second omnibus budget, and includes investments in affordable housing, infrastructure, transit, land conservation, workforce and small business support, and climate action — all for a better county government that works for the people in it. King County continues to face significant budget constraints. The costs to maintain programs and services continue to far outpace revenue, as they have for more than 20 years, and we’re facing a projected $120 million shortfall… Read More
New required ACTIVATE eLearning for Executive Branch employees
King County has launched a new required eLearning for all Executive Branch employees called Let’s ACTIVATE Our King County Values. Employees enrolled in the course will receive an email from DoNotReply@neogov.com on Tuesday, Sept. 22. It can also be found in the My Training tab in NEOGOV Learn. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete and is due Friday, March 19, 2027. “Our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE values guide us in everything we do for the people of King County,” Chief People Officer Megan Pedersen said. “By learning more about them, we can apply them more effectively… Read More
Executive Zahilay launches Volunteer Corps to connect King County residents to pressing local volunteer needs
Recently, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced the launch of Volunteer Corps, a new program led by his administration that aims to harness the power of motivated residents to meet the pressing needs of the county and local non-profit organizations. As part of his Be in Community value, Volunteer Corps will connect King County nonprofits with a dedicated network of residents who are ready to volunteer and help meet time-sensitive needs. The program will make it easier for organizations to reach people who want to give back while creating more opportunities for… Read More
Executive Zahilay proposes new Office of Labor Standards, supporting King County workers and businesses
Yesterday at the Martin Luther King, Jr. County Labor Council’s monthly delegate meeting, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced that his administration is proposing $500,000 to establish a new Office of Labor Standards within King County. This investment will be included in the Executive’s second omnibus budget, which will be proposed next week. Once established, the office will focus on strengthening labor standards and expanding worker and business outreach and education in unincorporated King County, supporting an informed and empowered workforce and robust regional economy. “Working people are the backbone of King… Read More
Executive Zahilay joins South King County leaders to celebrate new Metro Flex service in Auburn and Federal Way
Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Executive Girmay Zahilay joined Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell and King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison Thursday to cut the ribbon on two new Metro Flex pilots bringing on-demand transit to Auburn and Federal Way. Launched Aug. 31, the new service expands access to convenient, on-demand transportation in South King County, connecting riders to neighborhoods, schools, transit hubs, jobs, shopping, and other destinations. The two-year pilots are part of Metro’s broader South Link Connections service improvements. Read more.
Executive Zahilay announces funding opportunity for community-led tourism projects, strengthening local economies
On Tuesday, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced $900,000 in new funding for community‑led tourism projects that celebrate cultural heritage, strengthen local economies, create jobs, and help communities experiencing residential and cultural displacement remain rooted in their neighborhoods. Through this new competitive request for proposals (RFP), King County will award grants ranging from $30,000 to $150,000 for projects that strengthen cultural vibrancy and community resilience. In total, up to $900,000 will be awarded. Community-led tourism puts residents and local organizations at the center of how their communities are represented and experienced. Rather than tourism happening to a neighborhood, community-led… Read More
Executive Zahilay opens modern recycling and transfer station to serve South King County, contributing to cleaner, safer, healthier communities while improving the natural environment
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recently led the opening celebration for a state-of-the-art recycling and transfer station that makes it safer and more convenient for South King County residents to recycle and dispose of hazardous waste, contributing to cleaner, safer, healthier communities while improving the natural environment. The new South County Recycling and Transfer Station – mostly powered by renewable energy and the first facility of its kind to earn Salmon-Safe certification – offers recycling services for appliances, glass, metal, plastic, wood, cardboard, paper, and yard waste, none of which are offered… Read More
Executive Zahilay statement on Transportation Benefit District legislation
Recently, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay released the following statement after his administration transmitted new legislation that will allow the county to assume the duties and functions of the King County Transportation District (KCTD). This change is being proposed in partnership with members of the King County Council, which plays a key role in allocating and approving funding: “Maintaining safe, reliable roads and bridges and a connected regional transit system are essential to King County’s future. As part of my commitment to build a better government, my administration has examined tangible ways… Read More
Updates on the Executive Order ACO-8-32-EO Protecting Immigrants and Refugees in King County
Message from Girmay Zahilay, King County Executive Team, Like many of you, I remain deeply concerned about the impacts of increased immigration enforcement on King County residents. Families are facing fear and uncertainty, and I know some of our own employees are worried about what these actions could mean for themselves, their loved ones, their colleagues, and the communities they serve. As Executive, I want you to know what King County has been doing in response. Today, I announced that the County is making a new investment of $900,000 in a new public private partnership called the South King County Immigrant and Refugee Futures Fund to prioritize the… Read More
Executive Zahilay announces $15 million grant for crisis intervention training, gun violence prevention, and other community safety initiatives
Recently, Executive Girmay Zahilay announced that King County received a $15 million grant from the state Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) Public Safety Funding Program ESHB 2015 to support local public safety initiatives, including crisis intervention training for law enforcement and corrections officers, enhanced behavioral health responder options, and community gun violence prevention programs. “With the heartbreaking tragedy at Seattle Center, we must double down on our efforts to interrupt cycles of violence, strengthen community safety, and ensure people get the right support when they need it,” said Executive Zahilay. Read more.
