Author: Callie Craighead
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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…
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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…