Author: Callie Craighead
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Executive Zahilay Announces One-Year Lease for Harbor Island Studios with CREATE48 Media Network
King County – Today, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced a one-year lease agreement with CREATE48 Media Network for the use of Harbor Island Studios, supporting the region’s growing film industry, strengthening the creative economy, and expanding job opportunities for local filmmakers, creatives, and production professionals. “Harbor Island Studios has been a unique public asset that supports King County’s film industry and creative economy. I’m glad we were able to find a nonprofit partner to continue momentum for the community while we work with stakeholders…
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Executive Zahilay and Mayor Wilson Announce Immediate Actions to Stabilize, Right Size, and Reset the Regional Homelessness Authority
Seattle – Today, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced a three-step plan to stabilize, right size, and reset the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA). The plan prioritizes maintaining critical regional services for people experiencing homelessness and launches immediate actions to improve oversight and protect the integrity of public funds. The joint plan bolsters fiscal controls, refocuses KCRHA on its core responsibilities as King County’s Continuum of Care lead entity, and transitions the management of city and county…
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Executive Zahilay Statement on Supreme Court’s Birthright Citizenship Ruling
King County – Today, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship: “Today’s Supreme Court decision affirms the long-standing constitutional guarantee of citizenship to individuals born in this country. This ruling rightfully upholds the law and rejects a baseless attack by the Trump administration that would have denied citizenship to people born in…
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Dr. Susan McLaughlin confirmed as Director of King County Department of Community and Human Services
KING COUNTY – King County Executive Girmay Zahilay celebrated the confirmation this week of Dr. Susan McLaughlin as Director of the King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS). The King County Council confirmed Dr. McLaughlin on Tuesday, June 16 following Executive Zahilay’s nomination earlier this year. “Dr. Susan McLaughlin is a thoughtful leader who brings deep expertise and…
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New summer transit service makes Golden Gardens easier to reach without a car
Summary Access to one of Seattle’s most beautiful and popular parks and beaches will be easier this summer with the launch of Golden Gardens Direct, a new bus service connecting downtown Ballard to Golden Gardens Park, beginning Saturday, June 27. The pilot project, a partnership between King County Metro and the City of Seattle, will run every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to…
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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…