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 accountability and transparency in government operations.  

Issued on his 100th day in office, the order includes comprehensive reforms to strengthen financial oversight, reduce cost growth, and improve stewardship of public funds. 

VIDEO: Executive Zahilay Gives Better Government Update

“Our focus is clear: stronger accountability, smarter financial practices, and a culture of continuous improvement across County government,” said Executive Zahilay. “Many of the challenges we face were created over years and won’t be solved with quick fixes. These early actions under my new administration show momentum, but we know there is more work to be done. My administration is acting with urgency, clarity, and discipline to make King County the best run local government in the nation.” 

Progress at DCHS 

This month, the King County Auditor’s Office found that the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) was making significant progress on audit recommendations.   

Under the leadership of Acting Director Dr. Susan McLaughlin, the department has implemented new policies and procedures for staff and launched trainings for providers, equipping community organizations with the tools they need to manage public funds. Residents can find the implementation status of each audit recommendation and a summary of all DCHS’s financial stewardship work and progress here. 

Additionally, DCHS developed new fraud prevention training for all employees. Created in response to audit findings, the training launched in April for all DCHS staff and is being expanded countywide in partnership with other departments.  

More than 3,000 King County employees with contract management or oversight responsibilities will participate in the training, reinforcing stronger accountability standards across all departments. 

Strengthening internal controls 

The Internal Audit Director was hired last month and has begun work with departments to address open audit findings, improve internal controls, and address compliance risks. This position will help the county proactively identify and mitigate risks. 

The Grantmaking Improvements Workgroup has also begun its work, led by the Internal Audit Director, with a focus on strengthening subcontractor requirements, grant monitoring, risk assessment, and fiscal controls. These efforts will inform broader countywide reforms led by the Subcabinet on Accountability and Compliance. 

Additionally, the Subcabinet will develop an updated countywide financial conflict of interest policy, clearly addressing disclosure requirements, supervisory responsibilities, and reporting protocols, including for subcontractor and subgrantee relationships. 

Expanding ethics safeguards 

The Executive Office is currently working with the King County Council to create a centralized function to investigate reports of fraud, waste, and abuse. A proposal under consideration would create an Inspector General to carry out this work.  

While details are still being finalized, the Executive supports a clearly defined entity to receive and investigate complaints and will work with councilmembers to find the budget and resources for this important accountability function. 

Additionally, Executive Zahilay supports modernizing language in the King County Code of Ethics to create clarity and ensure it is understandable to employees. The County will also review Ethics Program guidance, including clearer frameworks for identifying and managing conflicts of interest. 

Taken together, these efforts are meant to create a culture of integrity, transparency, and continuous improvement at King County.