Earlier today at a press conference in City Hall, Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) and King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski (District 1) announced their intent to issue companion resolutions calling for the dissolution of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA). In a statement Wednesday, Councilmember Rivera said the report’s findings show an “egregious mismanagement of funds.”

“KCRHA is responsible for important work – we must do right by the people who are on our streets and in urgent need of shelter and services. Every dollar toward this effort needs to be spent responsibly,” said Councilmember Rivera.

“We have heard time and time again about the poor financial processes at KCRHA. They have been given ample opportunity to get their financial house in order, and they have failed to do so. This recent forensic evaluation shows a clear pattern of mismanagement of funds that cannot be tolerated. That is why I, and King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, will be acting quickly to issue companion resolutions officially calling for the dissolution of KCRHA.”

As part of the interlocal agreement (ILA) with the KCRHA, either party may terminate the agreement by an authorizing resolution or motion of its legislative body, delivered to the other party. Issuing these companion resolutions allows the respective City and County Councilmembers to initiate that process.

“Working together, we need to find a better way for the region to address our shared homelessness crisis,” noted Councilmember Rivera.

The schedules and details for the proposed resolutions are currently under development. The KCRHA Governing Board is scheduled to discuss the audit during a special meeting Friday (April 24) at 3 p.m.

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