Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with the Thurston Regional Planning Council, Thurston County, and the Cities of Lacey, Tenino, Tumwater and Yelm for Regional Housing Land Capacity Analysis
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with the Thurston Regional Planning Council, Thurston County, and the Cities of Lacey, Tenino, Tumwater and Yelm for Regional Housing Land Capacity Analysis
Report
Issue:
Whether to a Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with the Thurston Regional Planning Council, Thurston County, and the Cities of Lacey, Tenino, Tumwater and Yelm for Regional Housing Land Capacity Analysis
Staff Contact:
Leonard Bauer, Director, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8206
Presenter(s):
None. This item is on the consent agenda.
Background and Analysis:
The Growth Management Act (GMA) requires that the housing element of each city or county’s comprehensive plan:
(a) Includes an inventory and analysis of existing and projected housing needs that identifies the number of housing units necessary to manage projected growth, as provided by the department of commerce, including:
(i) Units for moderate, low, very low, and extremely low-income households; and
(ii) Emergency housing, emergency shelters, and permanent supportive housing.
(b) Includes a statement of goals, policies, objectives, and mandatory provisions for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing…
(c) Identifies sufficient capacity of land for housing…
(d) Makes adequate provisions for existing and projected needs of all economic segments of the community… (RCW 36.70A.070(2)).
At its December 12, 2023, meeting the City Council reviewed a methodology for allocating the Department of Commerce projected housing needs for Thurston County to each jurisdiction (part (a) above). This methodology was developed by Thurston Regional Planning Council through an interlocal agreement with Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm and Thurston County (the Partners).
The recommended allocation method has been presented to the Thurston Regional Planning Council for acceptance.
The next step for the Olympia Comprehensive Plan housing chapter is to “identify sufficient land capacity” for Olympia’s projected housing needs (part (c) above).
Thurston County and its major cities (the Partners) are proposing that Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) continue its work by conducting the housing land capacity analysis required by the GMA. The attached Interlocal Agreement establishes the scope, schedule and budget for that work. The resulting analysis will show whether Olympia has sufficient land zoned for the projected housing needs through 2045 for all economic segments of the future population. Following the completion of this analysis, the housing chapter work program will then focus on developing goals, policies, programs and other provisions toward meeting the housing needs (parts (b) and (d) above).
Climate Analysis:
The regional housing land capacity analysis is not expected to directly affect Olympia’s ability to address climate change impacts. As it is incorporated into the city’s comprehensive plan update, it will be part of the plan’s overall policies to provide for infill housing in a denser urban pattern over the next twenty years. This will create greater opportunities for non-motorized modes of transportation, contributing to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
HB 1220 explicitly requires Washington cities and counties to plan for housing for each economic segment of its projected future population. It also requires planning for emergency shelter facilities and multiple types of special needs housing. This regional housing land capacity analysis will help ensure housing plans address the needs of all residents in Thurston County. An additional part of developing the housing chapter will be a study to identify policies to help reduce or avoid displacement of existing residents as the community grows.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
All residents of Olympia have an interest in housing that is affordable at their income level. The regional housing allocations project the need for housing at each income level, and the housing land capacity analysis will help ensure appropriately zoned land is provided to meet those needs. These analyses will be the basis for Olympia’s 20-year housing policies as part of its comprehensive plan.
Financial Impact:
The Interlocal Agreement provides for a contract with TRPC to complete the housing land capacity analysis. Each jurisdiction would pay a proportionate share of the total cost ($52,000) according to the number of zoning districts that allow residential uses. Olympia’s share would be $12,806, which is 25% of the total cost under this agreement.
Options:
1. Approve the Resolution.
2. Do not approve the Resolution.
3. Direct staff to request specific amendments to the Interlocal Agreement and approve as amended.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement