(The Center Square) – As King County and the city of Seattle respond to the recent forensic audit of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority that found $13 million in mismanaged funds and a $45 million deficit, there are growing calls for accountability, transparency and a potential refocus on what many identify as the root of the problem – drug addiction and mental health issues. As reported by The Center Square earlier this week, the
(The Center Square) – Sitting $34.5 billion over budget, Sound Transit officials say they are committed to delivering the full voter-approved ST3 plan, despite talks of punting several projects down the road. The organization’s executive committee considered a proposal Thursday that would fully fund some projects, partially fund others, and leave several commitments unfunded until the agency identifies additional resources. Voters approved ST3 in 2016, launching a 25-year regional transit expansion initially pegged at $53.6
(The Center Square) – A new survey of Washington businesses reveals growing pessimism about the state’s economy and ability to be successful in the Evergreen state. The survey conducted last month by the Association of Washington Business found about 24 percent of employers considering moving their business out of state, and even more are considering moving their personal residence out of Washington. “It showed a precipitous decline in people’s confidence in Washington’s economy,” said AWB’s
(The Center Square ) – A Seattle City Council committee on Wednesday approved Mayor Katie Wilson’s plan to expand tiny home villages for the city’s homeless population. The plan could almost double the 600 beds in 15 tiny home villages while also creating new villages. The approval by the committee came as legislators put guardrails on Wilson’s plan to build 4,000 new units of housing for the homeless in the next four years. Some tiny
