EVERETT, MAY 2: Snohomish County has joined a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s conditions on federal funding cuts to grants focused on housing and urban development.
A coalition of eight jurisdictions are challenging the administration citing, “unlawful conditions” on funding previously appropriated by Congress. Along with Snohomish, King and Pierce counties, other local governments across the U.S. have joined the lawsuit. The suit is being filed today, Friday May 2 at the federal court in Seattle.
The lawsuit is focused on two grants centered on housing and transit. The first being from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Continuum of Care grant and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Snohomish County has been awarded nearly $17 million in Continuum of Care funding for the coming program year, the County said in a press release. Snohomish County does not utilize FTA grants while other jurisdictions on the lawsuit do.
In Washington State federal housing programs support 173,295 people and 95,353 households.
The Trump Administration recently released a budget plan requesting HUD to cut rental aid by 40% and sending that money to states, “to design their own rental assistance programs based on their unique needs and preferences.” The lawsuit claims that the administration is unconstitutionally withholding funds to force local governments to comply with recent executive orders.
“The Continuum of Care (CoC) grants are essential for preserving our community’s homeless housing system, which is a collaborative effort by local organizations working alongside the county to meet urgent needs of local residents. The new stipulations on contracts for previously awarded federal grants seek to force local compliance with controversial executive orders – including orders related to immigration status, health care, and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts – by using this crucial funding as a lever,” the County said.
The lawsuit alleges that the administration is violating the doctrine of separation of powers, infringing upon constitutional protections, and violating the Administrative Procedures Act. Snohomish County also cited that the requirement conflict with “our values as a county government.”
“We are dedicated to upholding the law and to meeting the needs of Snohomish County residents. We cannot, legally or ethically, agree to these new contract stipulations,” the County said.
CoC funding has been used by the County to address homelessness since 1994. The county received notice that funds were approved for $16.7 million for the program year that will begin on July 1. However, CoC is being challenged by the administration.
The funds are intended to support 23 separate programs and activities offered by six organizations. Services they provide include permanent supportive housing for people with disabilities, rapid rehousing and rental assistance, transitional housing and help for young adults and survivors of domestic violence, and supportive services for young adults to help prevent homelessness, the County said.
The 2024 Annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count identified 1,161 people experiencing homelessness in the county, a 10% decrease from 2023. While there is a decrease, the numbers remain high.
“A loss of this magnitude would create devastating gaps in services. We would expect to see a rapid and significant increase in homelessness, potentially doubling the number of people who are living unhoused in Snohomish County. We would also lose much of our ability to collect data, monitor trends to help adjust for current needs, and efficiently manage the referral process to connect people with housing,” the County said.
The complaint can be found online here.
Based on a press release from Snohomish County.
