Title
Approval of an Ordinance Declaring a Public Health Emergency Related to Insufficient Supply of Affordable Housing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use & Environment Committee recommends approving an ordinance declaring a public health emergency related to insufficient supply of affordable housing.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on second reading, an ordinance declaring a public health emergency related to insufficient supply of affordable housing.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve on second reading, an ordinance declaring a public health emergency related to insufficient supply of affordable housing.
Staff Contact:
Jacinda Steltjes, Affordable Housing Program Manager, City Manager's Office/ Housing and Homeless Response, 360.752.8482
Presenter(s):
Jacinda Steltjes, Affordable Housing Program Manager, City Manager's Office/ Housing and Homeless Response
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has changed from first to second reading.
At the December 10 City Council meeting, the City Council requested that the review of the Ordinance occur at 18 months, instead of 36 months, as previously stated in the Ordinance. Also, language was added stating the Ordinance will come back before the City Council at least once every 12 months to ascertain if the public health emergency still exists and if the sunset date should be extended.
Across the United States the lack of affordable housing has reached crisis levels. Demand for affordable housing far outpaces available supply. City of Olympia is not immune to this crisis. Many Olympia households are struggling to stay housed while also affording their other basic needs. Given the housing landscape in the United States, many jurisdictions nationwide have chosen to take actions to encourage increased supply of affordable housing.
In June 2024, a handful of local affordable housing developers communicated to the City Council the barriers they are facing to deve...
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