Author: Callie Craighead
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New King County Data Shows Stable Housing Associated with Sustained Reductions in Jail Bookings
KING COUNTY – New King County data from the Department of Community & Human Services (DCHS) shows jail bookings declined nearly 27% in the first year after people moved into housing and continued to fall over time, reaching a 37.6% reduction within three years. An analysis of 5,371 residents between 2021 and 2025 found that 81% of residents with a recent jail…
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Executive Zahilay, Mayor Wilson thank Councils for confirming Dr. Sandra Valenciano as Public Health Director
Summary King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson thanked the Metropolitan King County Council and Seattle City Council for confirming their appointee for Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County. Dr. Sandra Valenciano has served as Health Officer for the department since August 2025. Story King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson celebrated the appointment this week of Dr. Sandra Valenciano…
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Executive Girmay Zahilay Delivers 2026 State of the County Address: Building A More Connected King County
King County – Today, Executive Girmay Zahilay delivered the 2026 State of the County address, focused on building a more connected King County. This was Executive Zahilay’s first State of the County speech since taking office in November 2025 as the first new executive in 16 years and as the first immigrant, refugee, and millennial to hold the position. …
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Executive Zahilay’s State of the County Remarks As Prepared
Thank you, Mayor Ralph. Thank you Mayor Ferrell for hosting us in Federal Way at this beautiful venue. Chair Perry, members of the County Council, leaders of our sovereign tribes, labor partners, elected officials, King County employees, and residents: Good evening. I’m Girmay Zahilay and I want to welcome you to my first ever State of the County address. …
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Executive Zahilay Statement on KCRHA’s Corrective Action Plan
Background Today, Executive Girmay Zahilay released the following statement after King County and the City of Seattle sent a letter to the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) responding to their Corrective Action Plan, which was submitted on May 22. Statement “Our assessment of KCRHA’s plan found inadequate corrective steps and a lack of clear timelines and deliverables for how the agency will strengthen its financial controls…
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Executive Zahilay Announces Key Amendments and Regional Partnerships to Improve Sound Transit 3 System Plan for King County
Summary Executive Girmay Zahilay is sponsoring a series of amendments with regional leaders to strengthen the Sound Transit 3 (ST3) system plan for King County. Story Today, 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…
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King County and Seattle Sign Amicus Brief to Protect Access to Abortion Care
Summary King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion, and Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans released the following statements after King County and Seattle signed an amicus brief in Louisiana v. FDA, defending access to the abortion medication mifepristone. Story “The scientific evidence is clear: mifepristone is a safe, effective medication backed by over two decades of research,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “As a councilmember, I was proud to pass a motion reaffirming King County’s support for…
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King County Human and Civil Rights Commission Releases Inaugural Annual Report
Summary The King County Human and Civil Rights Commission transmitted their 2025-2026 annual report, outlining policy efforts and partnerships to build a more equitable King County. Story The Human and Civil Rights Commission (HCRC) released its inaugural 2025-2026 annual report, highlighting ongoing efforts to achieve King County’s equity goals and ensure all residents are treated fairly and justly. “King County is committed to being an inclusive, welcoming place…
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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 Summary King County is making progress to implement Executive Girmay Zahilay’s Better Government Executive Order to strengthen financial oversight and improve the accountability and transparency of government services. Story Today, Executive Zahilay highlighted the early progress that has been made over the last two months to implement his Better Government Executive Order and improve…
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King County Opens New Disaster Recovery Center to Help Residents Apply for Federal Assistance
Summary Starting Tuesday, King County will operate a Disaster Recovery Center to help residents impacted by the flooding in December 2025 with applications for federal disaster assistance. Story Residents in King County who were affected by the historic December 2025 flooding may now qualify for federal disaster assistance under Federal Emergency Management Administration’s (FEMA) Individual Assistance…