Executive announces new Chief Operating Officer
King County Executive Zahilay recently named his new Chief Operating Officer, Hyeok Kim, and highlighted her achievements on LinkedIn, saying: I’m excited to welcome an exceptional addition to our King County Executive Office as we continue to build out the strong collaborative team that is working hard to deliver meaningful results to all King County residents. Hyeok Kim will serve as our Chief Operating Officer. She will play a vital role on my senior leadership team and is responsible for directing and supporting day-to-day operations across all King County Cabinet agencies. She… Read More
On 100th Day, Executive Zahilay announces new Executive Order to strengthen governance and fiscal oversight
On Wednesday, March 4, Executive Zahilay shared the following message: This morning, I hosted a press conference to announce several actions our administration is taking to strengthen county government, prepare for the challenging budget forecasts that lie ahead, continue improving how we manage public funds, and identify savings opportunities. Today also marks my first 100 days in office since our inauguration on November 25. I say our inauguration because this is a team sport. Our shared success as King County government is dependent upon one another. One thing I know for certain is that King County’s… Read More
Executive releases recommendations of 100-member Transition Committee
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay has released the report of Transition Committee Recommendations developed by the 100 community members who participated in his Transition Committee in December 2025. “King County residents have delivered a Transition Committee report with policy recommendations for short and long-term actions that our new administration can take,” Executive Zahilay said. “Over the coming months you will see us advancing many of these actions, which primarily focus on the 4Bs: (1) “Breaking the Cycle” of homelessness, addiction, trauma, and incarceration, (2) “Building for Affordability” the housing, childcare, and transit… Read More
Executive Zahilay transmits legislation to expand Metro bus service and strengthen Link light rail connections in South King County
Crossposted from Metro Matters On Monday, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay transmitted legislation to the King County Council proposing major updates to Metro bus service across South King County as part of the multi-year South Link Connections project. The proposal builds on the recent opening of the Kent-Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Downtown Link light rail stations and would create a more connected, reliable transit network serving Algona, Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Normandy Park, Pacific, SeaTac, Tukwila, and nearby unincorporated areas. If approved, the new service would launch as… Read More
In the field with Executive Zahilay: Listening to staff and empowering solutions
During my first months in office, I have made it a top priority to get away from my desk and into the field to meet with King County employees. I believe leadership starts with listening, and these experiences have grounded me in the day-to-day work that keeps our region running and given me tremendous appreciation for the hard work and dedication of King County employees. In December, I joined King County Metro staff at the Mosaic of Us event at Metro’s Central/Atlantic Bus Base, celebrating the strength of our diverse workforce. I… Read More
Executive Zahilay visits staff at Chinook Wind project in Tukwila
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recently visited the Chinook Wind project in Tukwila to learn more about the project and see the habitat restoration work of employees from the Department of Natural Resources and Parks’ (DNRP) Water and Land Resources Division. “Yesterday I visited the hard working staff of King County’s Water and Land Resources Division at DNRP to see the Chinook Wind project in Tukwila. What used to be a rundown hotel site is now transformed back into natural habitat that will support salmon recovery for generations to come,” Executive Zahilay… Read More
Executive Zahilay visits and thanks Water Taxi staff
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recently visited the King County Water Taxi to learn more about their operations and see the staff in action. “Our marine division teams help thousands of people get across the Puget Sound from downtown to West Seattle and Vashon Island and back,” Executive Zahilay said. “And soon they will be expanding this service to include more weekends and more hours so more people can get to work, to the hospital, to see friends, and more.” See the full post on Facebook.
Executive thanks employees for keeping public safe during Seahawks parade
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recently thanked King County staff for their dedication and service during the Seahawks parade yesterday. “Thank you to the Seahawks for bringing so much joy and energy to our city, region, and state! Thank you also to all of our King County staff for keeping us safe and moving. Team members from Metro, Sound Transit, the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, and more were working over time alongside city staff to make sure everything went smoothly. Today was a very special day. I hope you enjoyed it with… Read More
Executive Zahilay Signs New Executive Order to Strengthen Protections and Support for King County’s Immigrant and Refugee Communities
On Feb. 12, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay signed a new Executive Order to strengthen protections and increase emergency resources for King County’s immigrant and refugee communities impacted by the increase in federal immigration enforcement activities. In January, Executive Zahilay hosted four immigration roundtable convenings in North, Central, South, and East King County to hear from leaders in immigrant and refugee communities about challenges they were facing and resources needed. The Executive Order, the first in Executive Zahilay’s administration, was informed by the feedback shared at the convenings. “Every resident who calls King County home, regardless of their citizenship… Read More
Executive Zahilay shares latest Executive Update
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay shared a video update of some of the priorities he’s been working on. “January has been the first full month of my new administration and our King County teams have been hard at work opening new affordable housing, expanding public transit, organizing federal response, supporting flood recovery, and building out a team that can begin advancing my policy priorities,” the Executive said in a post on LinkedIn. “We will keep you updated!” Watch the video on LinkedIn.
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