Barbara Talkington
Evaluation and Analytics Coordinator, King County Regional Homelessness Authority
Barbara Talkington is an Evaluation and Analytics Coordinator at the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA). She leads data collection and analysis for critical initiatives. For instance, her and her team have been working with CSDE's Dr. Zack Almquist on the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, applying Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) methodology to conduct the unsheltered PIT. In addition to the PIT, she is co-lead of KCRHA's Community-Based Participatory Research division where they are mentoring, developing curriculum and training, and embedding members of the community who have lived-expertise in homelessness into our research practices. She has also successfully managed a Data Management Team, supporting the work of transitioning individuals into permanent housing and enhancing ongoing homeless response efforts in King County. Her current role has equipped her with indisposable skills and showcases my continual dedication as a population research practitioner. In addition to her present position at the KCRHA and collaboration with CSDE faculty, she has additional experience with CSDE partnership projects. Previously, she worked as a Research Analyst with Dr. Martin from the Evans School studying monetary sanctions that resulted in "Pay or Display: Monetary Sanctions and the Performance of Accountability and Procedural Integrity in New York and Illinois Courts(2022)" being published by RSF: The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences. Outside of projects related to CSDE, she has nearly a decade of work as a research practitioner and is offering extensive experience in data analysis and research to current and future collaborations. Her experience encompasses roles using data analysis and research to better our region within higher education institutions, nonprofits, and government organizations. This includes her work as a Research Analyst evaluating Seattle's Secure Scheduling Ordinance, as an independent research consultant using research to create open access tools for non-profits, and as a research consultant studying K12 education and the impacts of COVID-19 on our education systems.