The department completed a strategic plan in April 2020. Below are some highlights. The entire plan can be viewed here. 

The King County Department of Public Defense represents indigent adults and children facing a loss of liberty. Our department is an independent voice that promotes justice and equity for our clients and advocates for their objectives, interests, and dignity.

Strategic objectives

1. Provide consistently high-quality representation to all of DPD's clients across all divisions and all case areas, thereby becoming a national model for public defense.
2. Partner with the community to dismantle the systems that oppress our clients and advocate for pathways that will allow them to succeed. Where traditional systems remain, use our community partnerships and expertise to make them less harmful and more restorative.
3. Recruit, support, and retain a highly skilled and diverse workforce and develop a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.