Measure seeks to protect public funds while charting a course for improving delivery of homelessness services
Today, a resolution proposing next steps for the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA), following the troubling audit published in April, was passed unanimously by the Human Services, Labor, and Economic Development Committee. The measure is sponsored by Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (Position 8) and Councilmember Dionne Foster (Position 9), who serve as chair and vice-chair of the committee, respectively. Both members also represent the Seattle City Council on the KCRHA Governing Board.
“Following the KCRHA forensic evaluation, we are bringing forward this resolution to establish a clear framework for accountability, oversight, and transparency as the City evaluates next steps. The resolution outlines immediate actions to safeguard public funds, evaluate the viability of corrective actions at KCRHA, and establishes a measured process for any potential restructuring decisions,” said Councilmembers Foster and Rinck in a joint statement.
“The resolution mirrors a parallel proposal advanced at the King County Council by Councilmembers Steffanie Fain and Jorge Barón. As Governing Board Members, we are closely coordinated throughout this process. We also want to thank City Councilmember Kettle for his work in moving this forward, as an alternate member on the Governing Board.
“As these conversations continue, it’s critical that we protect the continuity of services for people experiencing homelessness, maintain stability for providers, and take steps to improve public confidence in stewardship of public dollars,” they concluded.
On April 22, 2026, a report on the results of the forensic evaluation were sent to KCRHA and made publicly available. The evaluation described a number of concerning observations regarding KCRHA’s financial and internal control practices including a negative cash position of $44.7 million and $13 million in unreconciled balances and administrative overspend.
Councilmembers Rinck’s and Foster’s Resolution 32202 outlines key steps to assess the agency and how to move forward with regional homelessness services:
- Requests that by June 15, the Mayor’s Office provide to the Chair of the Human Services, Labor and Economic Development Committee an initial assessment of the corrective action plan submitted by the KCRHA.
- Requests that no later than Aug.1, the Mayor’s Office make a recommendation as to whether the City should terminate its relationship with KCRHA and dissolve, restructure the agency, or continue as is.
- If the Mayor’s Office recommends a restructure or dissolution, they must submit a plan addressing stakeholder engagement, a new service contract model, the City’s internal administrative capacity, and continued regional collaboration with King County.
Background
In December 2019, as authorized by Ordinance 126021, the City of Seattle and King County entered into the Interlocal Agreement to establish the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) in order to provide a coordinated, regional approach for delivery of homeless services.
In 2025, Clark Nuber P.S. was engaged by Seattle in coordination with King County to conduct a forensic evaluation of KCRHA covering the period from mid-2021 through July 31, 2025. The evaluation focused on financial condition, governance, and risk management practices, with particular attention to factors contributing to negative cash balances and opportunities to strengthen processes and oversight.
What’s next
The resolution is expected to be discussed and voted on by the full City Council on June 2.
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