New one-stop employee Intranet site for the County’s new Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values
On Thursday, June 4, Executive Girmay Zahilay launched our new Vision, Mission, and Values for the Executive Branch. “Together, they define where we are headed as an organization, the role we play in serving our communities, and how we will work together internally to deliver on those external priorities,” says Executive Zahilay. To help employees learn more about the new Vision, Mission, and Values, King County has launched an intranet page. It’s a new one-stop-shop page with a collection of links and information called “Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values.” The page includes: Mission statement Vision statement ACTIVATE Values descriptions and key behaviors Executive Zahilay… Read More
WATCH: Executive Zahilay introduces our new Vision, Mission, and Values
Executive Zahilay today shared a new employee video where he introduces our new Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values. “ACTIVATE stands for: Accountable, Collaborative, Timely, Impactful, Value Employees, Accessible, Trusted, and Equitable,” Executive Zahilay explains in the video. “These values build on the strong foundation that already exists here at King County, while helping us meet the challenges and opportunities ahead. They define how we make decisions, how we work together, and how we hold ourselves accountable to the people that we serve.” The video also features Dr. Sandra Valenciano, Director of Public Health —… Read More
Executive launches new Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay today launched our new Vision, Mission, and Values for the Executive Branch. “Today, I am pleased to introduce our new Vision, Mission, and Values,” Executive Zahilay said in an email to all employees. “Together, they define where we are headed as an organization, the role we play in serving our communities, and how we will work together internally to deliver on those external priorities.” Our Vision Statement defines the future we are striving toward: a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient region where every individual and community is safe, connected, housed, healthy, and empowered… Read More
Executive Zahilay announces key amendments and regional partnerships to improve Sound Transit 3 system plan for King County
Yesterday, Executive Girmay Zahilay announced his sponsorship for new amendments to the ST3 system update plan that will advance critical transit projects in King County and improve accountability at Sound Transit. The Sound Transit Board is expected to vote on these amendments and updated plan on Thursday. In March, the Executive committed to regional collaboration to address the agency’s $34.5 billion funding shortfall while keeping projects affordable and moving forward. “Addressing a budget deficit of this size is incredibly challenging, and difficult decisions were always going to be necessary,” said Executive Zahilay. “Even so, we made meaningful progress to move all of King County’s projects forward, and… Read More
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
Employee News 