Pierce County Council backs unified regional approach to homelessness with added fiscal oversight
May 26, 2026 | Pierce County, Washington
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The Pierce County Council voted 6–1 on May 26, 2026 to adopt Resolution R2026‑152, which expresses the county’s intent to work with other local governments to create a voluntary Unified Regional Approach (URA) to homelessness and directs staff to develop an interlocal agreement (ILA). Council also approved an amendment requiring the ILA to include mechanisms for strong fiscal oversight and transparency.
Mary Connolly, council staff, summarized the elected leadership group (ELG) process and an initial proposed design from Uncommon Bridges that envisions a countywide governance board, limited staff (Pierce County as employer), and an initial operating budget the ELG estimated at $400,000–$600,000 annually to support 2–3 FTEs for coordination and shared functions.
Council members asked questions about the draft ILA, cost allocation methodology and whether smaller jurisdictions would shoulder disproportionate shares if they did not join. Staff said the ELG’s draft uses population‑based shares and recommended further legal review before circulating a draft ILA.
The council adopted an amendment offered by Council member Morrell to add a requirement that the ILA include "mechanisms to ensure strong fiscal oversight and transparency in communicating with the public on the URA's work, funding, budget, and outcomes." Supporters said the clause responds to audit and accountability concerns raised in other jurisdictions; opponents worried about adding procedural complexity, but several council members said transparency is critical to public trust.
Public testimony included appeals for a people‑centered accountability framework from survivors and advocates, praise from service providers and county executive staff support for the expedited regional cooperation. Speakers stressed coordinated data, shared entry systems, shelter capacity for families, veteran transitional housing, outreach and prevention.
Next steps: the executive and council staff will work with jurisdictions and return with a proposed interlocal agreement and implementation details; the council reserved use of remaining contract funds (approximately $385,000) for early URA implementation tasks such as legal review, training, or data collection.
Vote: 6 ayes, 1 nay. The council directed staff to pursue the ILA with participating jurisdictions while implementing interim coordination activities described in the resolution.
Mary Connolly, council staff, summarized the elected leadership group (ELG) process and an initial proposed design from Uncommon Bridges that envisions a countywide governance board, limited staff (Pierce County as employer), and an initial operating budget the ELG estimated at $400,000–$600,000 annually to support 2–3 FTEs for coordination and shared functions.
Council members asked questions about the draft ILA, cost allocation methodology and whether smaller jurisdictions would shoulder disproportionate shares if they did not join. Staff said the ELG’s draft uses population‑based shares and recommended further legal review before circulating a draft ILA.
The council adopted an amendment offered by Council member Morrell to add a requirement that the ILA include "mechanisms to ensure strong fiscal oversight and transparency in communicating with the public on the URA's work, funding, budget, and outcomes." Supporters said the clause responds to audit and accountability concerns raised in other jurisdictions; opponents worried about adding procedural complexity, but several council members said transparency is critical to public trust.
Public testimony included appeals for a people‑centered accountability framework from survivors and advocates, praise from service providers and county executive staff support for the expedited regional cooperation. Speakers stressed coordinated data, shared entry systems, shelter capacity for families, veteran transitional housing, outreach and prevention.
Next steps: the executive and council staff will work with jurisdictions and return with a proposed interlocal agreement and implementation details; the council reserved use of remaining contract funds (approximately $385,000) for early URA implementation tasks such as legal review, training, or data collection.
Vote: 6 ayes, 1 nay. The council directed staff to pursue the ILA with participating jurisdictions while implementing interim coordination activities described in the resolution.
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