Author: Callie Craighead
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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…
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Executive Zahilay Statement on King County Regional Homelessness Authority Forensic Audit
On Wednesday, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay released the following statement following a forensic evaluation report of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) commissioned by King County and the City of Seattle: “Solving King County’s significant homelessness crisis requires honesty about where the regional response system is falling short and a commitment among government partners to bring more…
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King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission Seeks New Members
Summary The King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission is currently accepting applications for new commissioners. Commissioners will advise county leadership and advocate on issues impacting immigrant and refugee communities. Story The King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission (KCIRC) is seeking dedicated individuals who bring a strong commitment to supporting immigrant and refugee communities to fill five open positions on the commission. The application is open until April…
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Executive Zahilay Transmits $394 Million Supplemental Budget to King County Council
Executive Zahilay’s proposed budget advances FIFA World Cup 2026 readiness, housing affordability, and critical infrastructure investments for King County residents Summary King County Executive Girmay Zahilay today transmitted a $394 million supplemental budget to the King County Council investing in the safety, housing supports, and wellbeing of King County residents while advancing fiscal responsibility. Story Today King…
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Executive Zahilay announces new Executive Order to break the cycle of homelessness, addiction, and incarceration in King County
Summary Executive Girmay Zahilay announced a new Executive Order to boost affordable housing and shelter options throughout the region and better integrate behavioral health services to confront cycles of homelessness, addiction, and incarceration. Story Today, Executive Girmay Zahilay signed an Executive Order to address the interconnected crises of homelessness, substance use disorder, untreated behavioral health needs, and repeated involvement in the criminal legal system impacting the health and…
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Executive Zahilay commits to regional collaboration and problem-solving in the face of Sound Transit’s long-term fiscal challenges
Summary Today, 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. Statement “This is a critical moment…
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Executive Zahilay applauds Governor Ferguson’s signing of legislation to expand employment eligibility for corrections officers
Summary King County Executive Girmay Zahilay released the following statement after Governor Bob Ferguson signed Engrossed Senate Bill 5068, aligning employment eligibility standards for corrections officers with federal work authorization requirements to address staffing shortages. Statement “King County, like many other jurisdictions in Washington state and around our country, is facing a shortage of corrections officers that endangers the health and safety of…
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On 100th day, Executive Zahilay signs new Executive Order to strengthen King County’s governance practices and financial stewardship
Summary Executive Girmay Zahilay announced an Executive Order establishing better governance practices to strengthen financial oversight and improve accountability and transparency in government operations. Story Today, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay signed a new Executive Order to strengthen King County’s governance and financial management practices. The Executive Order calls for stronger cost controls and establishes governance practices that promote better accountability and transparency. The…
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Executive Zahilay proposes new legislation to fund critical road and bridge repairs following December’s historic flooding emergency
Summary Executive Zahilay proposed legislation to fund emergency repairs to roads and bridges that were damaged by the December flooding emergency. Story Today, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced new legislation to fund urgent repairs to roads and bridges damaged by the flood emergency in December by temporarily expanding the allowable uses of the Real Estate Excise Tax 2 (REET 2). “The unprecedented and devastating floods in December caused extensive…
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Executive Zahilay Signs New Executive Order to Strengthen Protections and Support for King County’s Immigrant and Refugee Communities
Summary Executive Girmay Zahilay announced an Executive Order to strengthen protections and services for King County’s immigrant and refugee communities, including new funding for emergency resources. Story Today, 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…