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King County homelessness program’s fate is unclear amid financial problems

On May 5, the King County Council approved a motion directing King County Executive Girmay Zahilay to create an action plan for the King County Regional Homelessness Authority to address its $45 million budget deficit.
Accounting consultant Clark Nuber's April 17 report revealed KCRHA reached a negative cash position of approximately $44.7 million by July 31, 2025, with an administrative deficit of $4.26 million and $8 million in unreconciled receivables.
Expressing alarm over the agency's fiscal management, Councilmember Rod Dembowski called the situation a "five-alarm fire," while Councilmember Jorge L. Barón warned residents "cannot afford for us to get this wrong."
The council set a June 15 briefing deadline and an August 1 report deadline, while Proposed Motion 2026-0107 could trigger a 12-month dissolution process for the authority, with a committee hearing scheduled for August 25.
Executive Zahilay stressed the system must operate with "greater efficiency, full transparency, and strong accountability," while Councilmember Rhonda Lewis emphasized serving vulnerable populations in a fiscally responsible way.

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