Executive Zahilay visits Harborview to view geotechnical drilling
Crossposted from the DES Express King County’s Harborview Construction and Infrastructure Division (HCID) was pleased to welcome County Executive Girmay Zahilay to Harborview Medical Center on May 4 to view the current geotechnical drilling taking place on campus and learn more about the project. Over the last month, HCID has been conducting geotechnical drilling at various locations across campus, drilling up to 150 feet down to better understand soil conditions in preparation for constructing new facilities for patients and staff. The samples will inform the design of the new patient tower to… Read More
King County Executive visits the Communications Center
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Newsletter King County Executive Girmay Zahilay spent a few hours during Public Service Recognition Week, May 3-9, at the 911 Communications Center, where he plugged in with call receiver Clarissa Eyre and dispatcher Verna Riley. Chief Ian Huri gave him a tour, and Operations Manager Katie Emanuel helped explain the technology and coordination that keeps the Communications Center running, and what it takes to keep King County safe. As a fun ‘plus one’ he also brought his father along. Pictured: From left, Executive Zahilay… Read More
SeattleFWC26, Governor, Executive, Mayor and transportation partners share ‘Know Before You Go’ info ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™
Crossposted from Metro Matters With 33 days until Seattle’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ match kicks off in Seattle, SeattleFWC26 and First & Goal, Inc. were joined by Governor Bob Ferguson, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson, Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine, and leaders from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), King County Metro, Port of Seattle, and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) for a regional “Know Before You Go” event to preview matchday transportation plans. Seattle Stadium will host six FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches on June 15, June 19, June 24, June 26, July 1 and July… Read More
Mental Health Month: Caring for ourselves in a time of change
As we recognize Mental Health Month, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the importance of well-being in our lives and in our work. Mental health is a shared human experience. Many of us are balancing responsibilities at home, at work, and in our communities while navigating stress, uncertainty, and change. That reality is part of what makes this work, and our commitment to one another, so important. Every day, across King County, you show up to serve our residents and communities. Whether you are supporting someone in crisis, helping a… Read More
Executive Zahilay announces leadership transition at Department of Natural Resources and Parks
Crossposted from Field Notes King County Executive Girmay Zahilay today announced that John Taylor, director of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, has accepted an appointment as the new CEO of the Cascade Water Alliance, a partner organization that contributes to safe, clean, reliable water supply in the Central Puget Sound region. The department completed major projects during Taylor’s tenure, including King County’s largest-ever floodplain restoration project, a unique onsite battery system that provides reliable power to West Point Treatment Plant, and the renewal of the King County Parks Levy. Read more.
Thanking employees during Public Service Recognition Week
Dear team, As King County Executive, one thing I enjoy is getting out to Be in Community, meeting with teams at worksites across King County and thanking you all for the work you do. It’s one way I get to know more about you, your work, learn about your innovation, and learn of obstacles I can help remove. This week, as part of Public Service Recognition Week, I’ll be visiting employees at our 9-1-1 Communications Center in Renton to connect with the team, hear and learn from them, and thank them for the critical… Read More
Executive Zahilay highlights early progress to improve financial stewardship and accountability at King County
Efforts include expanded fraud prevention training, cross-departmental coordination in grant management, and a new internal audit function Recently, Executive Zahilay highlighted the early progress that has been made over the last two months to implement his Better Government Executive Order and improve accountability and transparency in government operations. Issued on his 100th day in office, the order includes comprehensive reforms to strengthen financial oversight, reduce cost growth, and improve stewardship of public funds. “Our focus is clear: stronger accountability, smarter financial practices, and a culture of continuous improvement across County government,” said Executive Zahilay. “Many of the challenges… Read More
Executive Zahilay statement on King County Regional Homelessness Authority forensic audit
On Wednesday, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay released the following statement following a forensic evaluation report of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) commissioned by King County and the City of Seattle: “Solving King County’s significant homelessness crisis requires honesty about where the regional response system is falling short and a commitment among government partners to bring more people inside. We have a responsibility to ensure this system delivers results — operating with greater efficiency, full transparency, and strong accountability for every public dollar entrusted to us. Read more.
Executive celebrates Library Week with visit to Tukwila branch of King County Library System
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay visited a King County library this week to highlight the importance of childhood programs and resources for families delivered in partnership with Best Starts for Kids. “For Library Week, I visited the King County Library System Tukwila branch to see programs supported in partnership with Best Starts for Kids,” Executive Zahilay said. “Libraries are places where kids can explore, learn, and build important early skills through play, reading, and connection with others. These programs are designed to support healthy development and help families access resources in their… Read More
Executive Zahilay joins partners for a tour of Wilburton Trestle, a project transforming the 1,000-foot-long wooden structure into a scenic trail bridge for Eastrail
Crossposted from DNRP Field Notes King County Executive Girmay Zahilay joined partners for a tour of a unique capital project that is transforming the 1,000-foot-long Wilburton Trestle in Bellevue – the longest wooden trestle in the Pacific Northwest – into a trail bridge for the emerging 42-mile Eastrail. Crews are now installing the 20-foot-wide trail surface, railing, and three expansive viewing platforms atop the 122-year-old trestle. They are also replacing deteriorated wood and hardware while reinforcing the pillars with modern safety upgrades that will make it more resilient during earthquakes. Once complete next year, the 100-foot-tall Wilburton Trestle is expected to be among the most popular segments of Eastrail, offering scenic views of the Bellevue skyline with connections to other regional trails and Sound Transit’s Wilburton… Read More
Employee News 