Dembowski, Barón, Fain commit to boost oversight, assess options for future of Regional Homelessness Authority

April 28, 2026

King County Councilmembers Rod Dembowski, Jorge L. Barón and Steffanie Fain announced plans Tuesday to partner in addressing financial management concerns identified in the April 17 forensic evaluation of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA). The councilmembers issued the following joint statement after introduction of a motion to dissolve KCRHA, sponsored by Dembowski and Councilmember Reagan Dunn. The three members will work together with the Executive to assess the authority's current financial shortfalls and establish a framework for decision-making that prioritizes accountability, transparency, and the effective provision of services. They will propose that Council take up the dissolution motion in August once the assessment is complete. Legislation outlining the process will be introduced next week.

“We know from this forensic evaluation that KCRHA is deeply troubled in its financial management practices, and we also recognize the uncertainty this creates for providers and partners working every day to deliver critical services. We want to be clear: our goal is to ensure stability and continuity for those providers and the people they serve as we work through next steps.

“We need to take time to assess the issues, risks, and impacts of any changes to KCRHA and make an informed decision about the future of the agency.

"We must be responsible for our taxpayer dollars but we must also be responsible for the people of King County who rely on these programs.”