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 order, which comes 100 days into Executive Zahilay’s administration, takes steps to implement the King County Delivers plan and was shaped by recommendations from the transition committee.    

“This Executive Order strengthens governance practices and responsible financial stewardship across King County government. As we mark the first 100 days of this administration, we are building on King County’s strong foundation and taking practical steps to support enhanced oversight, transparency, and long-term fiscal sustainability across county government,” said King County Executive Zahilay. “If we are going to meet the scale of the challenges ahead, we must be willing to do things differently. The Order reflects the thoughtful recommendations of our Transition Team members and the expertise within King County. Working with our departments, we will continue strengthening financial oversight and internal controls while establishing consistent ways to measure our progress, so we can keep improving how government serves residents and remain worthy of the public’s trust.” 

The order, which takes effect immediately, directs King County executive branch departments to take steps to improve financial management and reduce cost growth. Cost savings will be used to shore up distressed funds, ensuring the County continues to deliver high-quality services.  

Key actions of the Executive Order include: 

• Establishing a new internal audit function within the Executive’s Office to strengthen accountability and oversight across county government. The Internal Auditor, who begins in the Executive Office at the end of March, will initially prioritize working with departments currently addressing open audit findings. 

• Establishing a new Subcabinet of senior leaders from across King County departments to implement Countywide improvements in financial and compliance systems that improve organizational effectiveness, risk management and help prevent future fraud and waste.  

• Improving how the county manages grants distributed to community organizations and partners by strengthening internal controls for grant to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws, while prioritizing timely distribution of funding.  A grant compliance workgroup led by the Executive Office will identify common themes and challenges across King County’s grant programs and develop cross-departmental solutions, standards, and training to streamline the grant-making process and ensure audit readiness and compliance.  

• Expanding ethics and fraud prevention training requirements for County employees who manage and oversee contracts.  

• Establishing baseline Year One metrics for all Executive branch departments to track and measure whether County investments are producing their intended outcomes over time. 

The Executive Order also directs new actions to strengthen financial management including: 

• Reviewing base budgets in advance of the 2028-2029 budget with the goal of reprioritizing resources to address the County’s highest-priority needs — a process not previously done in King County. Historically, upwards of 90 percent of previous budgets rolls forward into the next biennium and most changes only happen at the margins.   

• Identifying cost savings across all Executive branch departments through innovative ways to save taxpayer dollars while minimizing impacts to services for residents. This could include changing how services are delivered, implementing cost-saving measures, consolidating programs, and/or reducing duplication. Departments will designate a Savings Officer within 30 days of this Executive Order to lead this work.  

• Establishing internal budget controls on programs and positions that rely on one-time funding to limit future cost growth.  

• Implementing immediate, targeted cost-saving measures in the current biennium for funds that face deficits in the next several years.  

Collectively, these new actions strengthen county government, prepare for challenging budget forecasts, and continue improving stewardship of public funds. 

What People Are Saying: 

King County Council Chair Sarah Perry 

“As our county is undergoing a transition under Executive Zahilay’s leadership, I am grateful for his focus on our shared commitments to fiscal transparency, increased accountability, and securing a better future for everyone across King County. Today’s Executive Order outlines key steps to ensure King County is an effective and accountable steward of public funds while supporting the needs of our communities.” 

Councilmember Rod Dembowski, Budget and Fiscal Management Chair 

“I commend Executive Zahilay for his commitment to strong fiscal stewardship of taxpayer dollars and to ensuring that our internal control systems are effective. In addition, taking a fresh look at our programs and budgets through a bottom-up review helps ensure our financial plans are sustainable and effective, aligns with County Council’s budget direction, and reflects good governance.” 

Councilmember Reagan Dunn 

“I appreciate Executive Zahilay’s commitment to strengthening financial controls and his willingness to work with the Council to ensure King County is making the most of every public dollar spent. These efforts are good government practices that will provide greater accountability and help protect the long-term fiscal health of the County.” 

King County Auditor Kymber Waltmunson 

“Financial accountability and ethical conduct are necessary components of a trusted government. This Executive Order sets an excellent tone for King County’s next steps. We look forward to partnering with the Executive and his team to amplify the outcomes.” 

Former Governor Chris Gregoire, CEO, Challenge Seattle 

“Executive Zahilay is reaffirming the essential principle of good government: long-term fiscal sustainability, measurable results, and continuous improvement. He is addressing the public’s call for accountability of taxpayer dollars and greater transparency in how government delivers results to meet the complex challenges facing our region.” 

Joe Nguyen, President & CEO, Seattle Metro Chamber 

“This is a strong step toward strengthening transparency and accountability, and we appreciate the leadership behind it. It reflects the kind of disciplined, results-oriented approach we value and builds on the work already happening across county staff to deliver at the highest level for our community.” 

Samantha Le, President & CEO, Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce 

“The business community across Southwest King County understands that strong financial management is the foundation of long-term success. Transparency, accountability, and disciplined budgeting are not abstract ideals, they are daily practices that build trust and stability. The Executive’s actions to strengthen oversight, prioritize base budgets, and implement clearer performance metrics reflect a commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. That kind of leadership helps create the predictability and confidence our employers need to invest, grow, and support a strong regional economy.”  

Maria N. Williams, President/Executive Director, Teamsters Local Union No. 117 

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve as a labor representative in Executive Zahilay’s Better Governance initiative, and I’m hopeful it will lead to a more accountable, efficient, and transparent government. I also want to commend the Executive’s commitment to centering employee voices—many of whom are represented workers—which will be essential to achieving this objective. I trust that these voices will guide decision‑making as we work toward our shared goals of strengthening government and fostering a healthy workplace that supports recruitment, retention, advancement, and a culture of empowered public service.”