Executive Zahilay shares February video update
Out in the field. Listening. Learning. Taking action. From meeting youth and healthcare workers to expanding transit and supporting flood response. Last month was all about showing up for our communities and building a stronger King County together. Click the video below for Executive Zahilay’s latest Executive Update!
DCHS strengthens oversight and accountability with new policies and improvements
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections By Dr. Susan McLaughlin, Acting Director of DCHS In 2020, the department’s priority was clear: Get resources to the community quickly and provide relief throughout the health emergency and into recovery. The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) moved fast to deliver critical funding—from rental assistance to isolation and quarantine facilities—across the region when it mattered most. DCHS expanded partnerships with smaller, community-based organizations—trusted groups with deep roots in the neighborhoods they serve and a proven ability to connect people to the services they need. Read more.
Executive Zahilay commits to regional collaboration and problem-solving in the face of Sound Transit’s long-term fiscal challenges
Recently, King County Executive and Sound Transit Board Member Girmay Zahilay released the following statement on the Sound Transit’s Board of Director’s retreat and conversations about the Enterprise Initiative. The Enterprise Initiative is an agencywide effort to ensure that project delivery and operations are affordable going forward while delivering on the objectives of the voter-approved Sound Transit 3 (ST3) plan. Sound Transit currently faces a $34.5 billion shortfall over the next 20 years. Read more.
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and King County Metro break ground on South King County’s RapidRide I Line with regional and community partners
Yesterday, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and King County Metro were joined by federal, state, and local transit partners, along with community partners, to celebrate a major milestone in expanding fast, reliable, high-quality transit service across South King County. The event marks the start of construction on the RapidRide I Line, a new corridor designed to strengthen north–south bus service, connect the cities of Renton, Kent, and Auburn, and improve access to jobs and essential services. The project advances Metro’s commitment to making equitable investments in transit, particularly in historically underserved communities… Read More
New Executive Office organizational structure
From King County Executive Girmay Zahilay Our team continues to grow! I am excited to welcome these key leaders to our administration, who bring diverse skillsets, expertise, and strong commitments to serving the residents of King County. Read more.
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
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