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.
Executive Zahilay honors Dwight Dively
On Thursday, Jan. 22, Executive Zahilay honored Dwight Dively, longtime director of the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget (PBS) and Chief Operating Officer (COO), with a proclamation thanking him for his service to King County. Dwight served as PSB director from 2010-2025 and COO from 2019-2025. He guided King County’s finances through the Great Recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and numerous crises in the General Fund. His leadership of King County’s financial management policies and budget process will have a last impact on King County for years to come. Dwight will join the City… Read More
King County DNRP employees continue 24/7 flood response after rapid levee repairs, repurposing trails for emergency responders, treating two billion gallons of wastewater
In a wide range of actions that include rapid levee responses, operating the Flood Warning Program, repurposing trails to assist emergency responders, preparing transfer stations for a surge in debris, and treating more than 2 billion gallons of wastewater, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks employees continue to contribute to a coordinated emergency response to the historic storm. King County Executive Girmay Zahilay on Friday hosted Gov. Bob Ferguson’s press briefing at a levee along the Green River where DNRP’s Flood Patrol discovered a sinkhole that could have potentially caused… Read More
Executive Zahilay celebrates historic appointment of Rhonda Lewis as the new King County Councilmember for District 2 and appointment of Sound Transit board members
Rhonda Lewis was unanimously selected by the King County Council for an interim appointment to District 2. She becomes the first Black woman ever to serve on the Council, and creates the first majority of women in the Council’s history. At the same meeting, the Council unanimously approved Executive Zahilay’s slate of nominations to the Sound Transit Board of Directors. Read more.
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay leads Regional Day of Service on first full day in office
On Wednesday, Nov. 26, his first full day in office, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay held a Regional Day of Service focused on food banks and food security across King County. He encouraged all King County residents to volunteer, donate, or find another meaningful way to support the work of our county’s food banks. This Regional Day of Service corresponds with one of Executive Zahilay’s “Four B’s” guiding his administration – “Boots on the Ground,” making King County government more visible, connected, and community-driven. Read more.
King County’s new chapter with Executive Girmay Zahilay
Originally emailed to employees Nov. 25, 2025 I am honored to write to you for the first time as your King County Executive. Today, we launch a new chapter for King County. I look forward to this journey with you as we serve the people of our region. I’ve recorded a video introducing myself and thanking all of you here. Earlier today, I participated in two swearing-in ceremonies. The first was at NewHolly Gathering Hall and was a very personal event in the same community where I was raised. Around 200 community members… Read More
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