KCRHA delays 2026 budget vote amid board turnover and quorum issues

The King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) has postponed its 2026 budget approval until January. Originally set for a December 18 vote, the delay follows concerns over attendance and upcoming changes to its Governing Board. The proposed budget of $205 million marks a slight decrease from last year’s spending plan.

KCRHA first unveiled its preliminary 2026 budget in June, totalling $205 million—a small reduction from the 2025 figure of $206.87 million. Seattle remains the largest contributor, providing $118.93 million, which accounts for 58% of the total. However, the agency has already cut costs by trimming its administrative budget by $3 million and reducing full-time administrative roles from 106 to 84, partly due to potential losses in federal funding.

A hiring freeze is also in place, with few exceptions expected until mid-2026. Despite hopes from CEO Kelly Kinnison to finalise the budget by year’s end, achieving a quorum proved difficult. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell chose not to force a vote under these circumstances, pushing the decision into January. The 2026 Governing Board will include Seattle Mayor-elect Katie Wilson, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, and other members, though some positions remain undecided until next month. The delay also accounts for the board’s transition period, ensuring all new members can participate in the vote.

The budget approval now hinges on the January meeting, where a full quorum is expected. Seattle’s funding share remains dominant, while cost-cutting measures and staff reductions have already reshaped KCRHA’s operations. The final decision will set the agency’s financial direction for the coming year.