Title
Discuss the Affordable Housing Emergency Declaration
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a Committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss the Affordable Housing Emergency Declaration.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss the Affordable Housing Emergency Declaration
Staff Contact:
Jacinda Steltjes, Housing Manager, Community Planning and Economic Development, 360.753.8482
Presenter(s):
Jacinda Steltjes, Housing Manager, Community Planning and Economic Development
Background and Analysis:
Adoption of Affordable Housing Emergency Declaration (AHED)
In December 2024, the Olympia City Council adopted Ordinance 7414, declaring the insufficient supply of affordable housing a public health emergency. The ordinance defines affordable housing as housing that costs no more than 30% of a household's income. It also recognizes that approximately 14,295 new housing units will be needed in Olympia and its urban growth area by 2045 to accommodate projected population growth, with nearly half required to serve low-income households-those earning at or below 80% of the area median income (currently $116,700).
The Ordinance aligns with the City's Housing Action Plan and One Community Plan and is modeled after similar emergency declarations adopted in jurisdictions such as San Diego, Los Angeles, Portland, and the State of Hawaii. It establishes six strategies aimed at increasing the supply of affordable housing for low-income households in Olympia.
* Prioritizes affordable housing projects in the permitting queue.
* Provides dedicated staff support to help affordable housing projects move efficiently through the permitting process.
* Authorizes the City Manager to defer or waive certain City requirements for qualifying affordable housing projects.
* Creates a permit fee grant program for affordable housing developments.
* Establishes an infrastructure assistance grant to support affordable housing projects.
* Outlines the City's willingness ...
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