Author: Lauren Chin
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King County Executive Girmay Zahilay launches new employment program for teens and young adults
King County residents ages 16-24 can now apply for more than 200 paid summer internships and volunteer opportunities through the new King County YouthWorks program King County, WA — Today, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced the launch of YouthWorks, a new workforce development program that provides paid summer internships and volunteer opportunities for King County residents ages 16-24. Applications are now open for…
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King County officials urge extra caution on rivers after December flooding created new potential drowning hazards
Summary King County officials are urging residents to be extra cautious at rivers due to the historic December flooding that changed conditions and created new potential hazards in rivers throughout the region. Story King County officials are urging the public to be extra cautious on rivers this summer after major flooding this past December changed conditions and created new potential drowning hazards. They…
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Trailhead Direct returns Memorial Day weekend with transit service to popular hiking destinations
Summary Beginning Memorial Day weekend, hikers can once again leave the car at home and take transit to some of the region’s most popular outdoor destinations with Trailhead Direct, King County’s seasonal transit-to-trails service. The 2026 season begins Saturday, May 23, and operates weekends and holidays through August 30. Story Trailhead Direct, King County’s transit-to-trails service, returns for its ninth season…
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Executive Zahilay Announces Leadership Transition at Department of Natural Resources and Parks
Summary John Taylor, who has served as a member of Executive Zahilay’s Cabinet leading the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, has accepted a CEO position at the Cascade Water Alliance. News King County Executive Girmay Zahilay today announced that John Taylor, director of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, has accepted an appointment as the new CEO of the Cascade Water Alliance, a partner organization…
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King County Executive Zahilay Announces Free Rides on Waterfront Shuttle Starting May 21 Ahead of FIFA World Cup 26TM in Seattle
King County Metro service, with free fares sponsored by SeattleFWC26, and $500k investment from the City of Seattle, will offer fast, free connections across downtown and on Match Days this summer Summary King County is kicking off Seattle’s soccer summer early with the launch of free rides on new waterfront shuttle service beginning May 21 through Labor Day. Operated by King County Metro and sponsored by the Seattle FIFA…
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Executive Zahilay announces plan to purchase Skyway Park Bowl as location for Skyway Community Center
Summary King County Parks has agreed to purchase a 3.82-acre property next to Skyway Park as the site for Skyway’s first community center, a location highly preferred by community representatives. News King County Executive Girmay Zahilay today announced that King County Parks has entered an agreement to purchase Skway Park Bowl as the location for Skyway’s first community center. The 3.82-acre property is adjacent to the northwest corner of the park.…
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King County Executive Zahilay and Partners Celebrate the Opening of Copperleaf, a New 235-Unit Affordable Housing Community in Northgate
King County’s largest affordable housing investment, developed by BRIDGE Housing and Community Roots Housing, offers 235 units of high-quality affordable housing and amenities in a central Northgate location, steps from the Northgate Station SEATTLE (April 21, 2026) – King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, BRIDGE Housing, Community Roots Housing, and community members today celebrated the grand opening of Copperleaf Northgate (Copperleaf), a new transit-oriented affordable housing community…
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Executive Zahilay joins partners for a tour of Wilburton Trestle, a project transforming the 1,000-foot-long wooden structure into a scenic trail bridge for Eastrail
Summary A unique capital project that is converting the 122-year-old Wilburton Trestle into a scenic trail bridge for Eastrail in Bellevue has reached a major milestone. News King County Executive Girmay Zahilay joined partners for a tour of a unique capital project that is transforming the 1,000-foot-long Wilburton Trestle in Bellevue – the longest wooden trestle in the Pacific Northwest – into a trail bridge for the emerging 42-mile Eastrail. Crews are now installing the 20-foot-wide trail surface, railing,…
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King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Appoint Dr. Sandra Valenciano to Lead Public Health – Seattle and King County
Expert medical and community health professional and current Acting Director chosen to advance public health services for Seattle and King County residents King County, WA — Today, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson appointed Dr. Sandra Valenciano to serve as the Director of Public Health – Seattle and King County. Dr. Valenciano currently serves as Acting Director for the department. Pending confirmation by both the Metropolitan King County Council and Seattle City Council, Dr. Valenciano will advance the department’s work to…
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King County Executive Girmay Zahilay Appoints Dr. Susan McLaughlin to Lead King County Department of Community and Human Services
Seasoned behavioral health leader and current Acting Director tapped to advance affordable housing, behavioral health treatment, childcare, and human services efforts for King County residents King County, WA — Today, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay appointed Dr. Susan McLaughlin to serve as the Director of the King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS). Dr. McLaughlin currently serves as the department’s Acting Director. Dr. McLaughlin will lead the department tasked…