Zahilay and Wilson Partially Dismantle KCRHA Amid Rising Homelessness

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced they are partially dismantling the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA), returning over 400 contracts worth $160 million to city and county departments by early 2027. The move comes as King County’s homeless population reached 18,365 in 2026—a 9% increase from 2024—and follows a forensic audit uncovering $13 million in accounting irregularities and $44.7 million in negative cash balance at KCRHA.