King County Regional Homelessness Authority lays off 13 employees amid $4.7M shortfall
Oct 31, 2025, 9:39 AM
In an aerial view, a homeless encampment, known informally as "Dope Slope" stands covered in garbage near downtown Seattle on March 12, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo: John Moore, Getty Images)
(Photo: John Moore, Getty Images)
Due to budget restraints, the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) is laying off 13 staff members, the organization confirmed this week.
The layoffs account for approximately 22% of the staff. Additionally, KCRHA removed 15 vacant positions. These decisions are in response to a projected $4.7 million budget shortfall for KCRHA in 2026.
“Earlier this year, we took several steps to address the budget issue, such as enacting a hiring freeze, moving staff to positions to cover essential needs, and significantly decreasing the use of consultants,” KCRHA CEO Dr. Kelly Kinnison said, according to FOX 13. “Ultimately, I made this decision to be a responsible steward of public funds in the midst of financial constraints at the direction of the Governing Board to sustain our successes in paying providers and awarding contracts on time.”
KCRHA is an independent agency, working in tandem with the King County government, that is responsible for coordinating and providing homelessness services.
The budget shortfall occurred once the general fund shrank its budget for KCRHA. The layoffs aim to cut $3.05 million from the organization’s estimated budget. KCRHA will also focus on managing contracts and reassessing its organizational structure.
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