Human Services, Labor, and Economic Development Committee

Friday, May 15, 2026 · 9:30 AM AM · Council Chamber, City Hall 600 4th Avenue Seattle, WA 98104

TL;DR

The Human Services, Labor, and Economic Development Committee confirmed a new Director of the Office of Economic Development and passed a resolution requiring city and county leaders to take immediate action regarding the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) following a forensic evaluation. The resolution demands a plan for either restructuring or dissolving KCRHA and requires monthly reports to Council on progress.

Key Decisions

  • Appointment of Beto Yarce as Director of the Office of Economic Development Passed
  • Resolution on King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) next steps following forensic evaluation Passed as amended
Agenda PDF Minutes PDF

Agenda

  1. This meeting also constitutes a meeting of the City Council, provided that the meeting shall be conducted as a committee meeting under the Council Rules and Procedures, and Council action shall be limited to committee business.
  2. Please Note: Times listed are estimated
  3. Call To Order
  4. Approval of the Agenda
  5. Public Comment
  6. Items of Business
  7. 1. Appointment of Beto Yarce as Director of the Office of Economic Development.
    Appointment (Appt)
    Action: confirm Passed

    The Committee recommends that City Council confirm the Appointment (Appt).

  8. 2. A resolution regarding next steps after the forensic evaluation of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA); requesting that the Seattle Mayor and King County Executive take steps to immediately safeguard public funds, determine if it is feasible for KCRHA to adequately address all of the findings in the forensic evaluation, submit a set of next steps on how the City will approach the dissolution or restructure of KCRHA if determined to be necessary, and submit monthly reports to Council.
    Resolution (Res)
    Action: adopt as amended Passed

    The Committee recommends that City Council adopt the Resolution (Res).

  9. Adjournment