Seattle City Council Briefing – April 27, 2026

This afternoon briefing (2:04 PM – 2:55 PM) opened with approval of the previous meeting’s minutes, followed by the signing of two proclamations and a comprehensive preview of upcoming council and regional committee actions. A major focus was the forensic audit of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) and the council’s planned response. Seven councilmembers were present (Kettle, Lynn, Rink, Saka, Foster, Juarez, Hollingsworth); two were excused (Rivera, Strauss).

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (April 13, 2026) – Adopted without objection.

Proclamations Signed

• May Day / International Workers’ Day (May 1, 2026) – Councilmember Foster introduced the proclamation, noting it honors worker power and the ongoing fight for fair wages and safe conditions. The proclamation received seven signatures (all present).
• National Therapy Animal Day (April 30, 2026) – Councilmember Kettle highlighted the importance of therapy animals in addressing pandemic‑era and economic stress, and encouraged volunteerism. The proclamation also received seven signatures.

Discussion Items

King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) Forensic Audit Councilmember Rink reported on a special meeting of the KCRHA governing board held Friday, April 24, 2026, where the forensic audit by Clark Newber was presented. The findings were described as “egregious” and demanding immediate, deliberate action. Key points:

• The audit covers May 2021 to July 2025.
• It identified approximately $8 million in unaccounted receivables, with an unclear timeline for when those amounts accrued.
• Underlying financial practices were criticized for lacking the ability to track money flow and color‑of‑money issues.

Councilmember Rink, joined by Councilmembers Foster and Kettle, is drafting a resolution that will:

• Codify the audit findings.
• Outline deliverables expected from KCRHA by May 8 and May 23, 2026.
• Request the executive to deliver a report on next steps for contracts, staffing, continuity of care, and a contingency plan with or without KCRHA.

The resolution is expected to be circulated for review in the coming days, with a committee vote after the May 23 deadline.

Councilmember Warz cautioned against a “knee‑jerk” reaction, urging the body to wait for KCRHA’s written corrective plan before acting. Councilmember Lynn emphasized the need to protect essential services provided by downstream providers. Councilmember Kettle stressed the importance of ensuring that ongoing projects (e.g., two new tiny‑home villages in District 5) are not disrupted. Councilmember Juarez warned against “tearing something down” without a replacement, recalling past defund movements. Councilmember Foster reiterated that the audit’s scope ends in July 2025 and that the city must avoid recreating the same financial challenges.

Other Committee & Community Updates

• Public Safety Committee (Councilmember Kettle, Chair): Upcoming agenda items include public drug‑use and possession legislation (focusing on alignment with SPD and alternative response), a Cal Anderson protest sentinel review on May 12, and an annual accountability partners update with OIG, OPA, and CPC. Later in May, the committee will hear from OEM on World Cup emergency preparedness.
• Land Use Committee (Councilmember Lynn, Chair): This week’s agenda includes shelter census legislation (potential amendments) and an Office of Sustainability & Environment update on the climate action plan.
• Governance, Utilities & Technology Committee (Council President Hollingsworth): Next meeting May 14, with a possible vote on stormwater code. The committee is also monitoring King County’s proposed 12.9 % annual wastewater rate increases over 5–6 years; a letter has been sent requesting alternative options.
• Regional Committee Updates: Councilmember Saka reported on a joint RTC meeting on FIFA World Cup transportation planning, and the approval of the regional transportation plan by the Puget Sound Regional Council. Councilmember Juarez noted her attendance at the King County Flood Control District meeting.
• Community Events & Statistics: Councilmember Juarez highlighted the Seattle King County Clinic (850 patients served on April 23–26, over 3,000 over four days), REWA’s pre‑K ice‑skating program at Kraken Community Ice Plex, and Literacy Source’s 46,000 hours of instruction for 882 adult learners from 50 nations. Councilmember Foster shared her participation in “Before the Badge” training with SPD, a vehicle outreach ride‑along, and a regional foundation convening on immigration response. Councilmember Saka noted national “Take Your Kids to Work Day” at City Hall, a youth transportation summit, and a panel on public safety and addiction. Councilmember Kettle reported on a public safety committee meeting, cruise‑industry logistics, and completed a community council meeting in Magnolia. Councilmember Lynn mentioned ongoing public safety concerns in Rainier Beach and North Beacon Hill.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes of April 13, 2026 – Approved unanimously.
• Proclamations – Both May Day and National Therapy Animal Day proclamations were signed with all seven present members in favor.
• KCRHA Resolution – A resolution responding to the forensic audit is being drafted by Councilmembers Rink, Foster, and Kettle. It will be circulated to all councilmembers soon, with a committee vote expected after the May 23, 2026 KCRHA submission deadline. No formal vote was taken at this briefing.
• Next Steps – The council will continue to monitor the KCRHA situation, with a focus on ensuring service continuity for providers and clients. The stormwater code vote is scheduled for the May 14 governance committee meeting, and the public safety committee will take up the Cal Anderson review on May 12.