Whistleblower Exposes Alleged Self-Dealing in Washington’s $250 Million ‘Equity’ Homeowner Program

Whistleblower says she’s faced harassment and retaliation for speaking out. “It’s been misused,” Orvald says.

Staff Writer

Oct 28, 2025 - 1 min read

[Editor’s Note: some stories we repost as being relevant to our area and residents to be aware of, as these new fees and taxes are only inflicted on homeowners or buyers who have to file real estate documents. While in Legislative Session, HB 1474 was referred to as a “Reparations tax.” ]

A former real estate broker turned whistleblower, says a Washington state program created to help communities of color build wealth has instead become a vehicle for insider enrichment. The program is funded by a state-imposed Covenant Homeownership Program (CHP) fees, added to recorded real estate documents transactions, and only allows minorities or those “of color” to apply for the benefits of free money towards their down payments.

Quick Summary of the story provided ChatGPT, (full Story linked below):
"Corey Orvold spent nearly a year uncovering what she calls “a tangled web of self-dealing” within the state’s Community Reinvestment Program, a $250 million fund meant to promote homeownership and financial empowerment. Her evidence — now reportedly under review by the Department of Commerce and Attorney General’s Office — includes cases where employees and board members of major nonprofits, like the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, allegedly funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer funds to themselves and relatives while other applicants were denied aid.

The revelations raise serious questions about oversight, transparency, and potential conflicts of interest in one of Washington’s most high-profile equity initiatives. As state officials promise accountability, Orvold says she’s faced harassment and retaliation for speaking out. “It’s been misused,” she told unDivided. “It’s enriched certain people.” The full investigation delves into documents, insider emails, and testimony suggesting that the very programs designed to close racial wealth gaps may be widening them instead."

To read the Full Story as reported and revealed by [un]Divided, Brandi Kruse, click here.