Title
Affordable Housing Briefing
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion of affordable housing issues and related city efforts.
Staff Contact:
Keith Stahley, Director, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8227
Presenter(s):
Keith Stahley, Director, Community Planning and Development
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia works on several housing issues, including planning for a variety of housing types and options. In January of 2017 the Planning Commission received a briefing on Housing Tool Box and work to implement the Downtown Strategy related to housing issues.
In October, the City Council held a study session to review the draft Administrative and Financial Plan for the Olympia Home Fund. Later that month the Council took action to place a sales tax increase on the February 2018 ballot.
The city works with other cities and Thurston County on housing issues, including issues related to affordable housing and efforts to provide housing for all.
Housing dynamics are changing. For example, more than half of the residential units in the city are occupied by renters. In addition, the average household size is decreasing over time. Less than 15% of households in Olympia consist of parents with children living at home. These changes are likely to impact the housing market and the types of housing people desire in the future.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Housing is of community-wide interest. People want housing options, variety, and affordability. Neighborhoods have unique characteristics that should be protected. Some neighborhoods are primarily made up of detached single family homes while others include a variety of housing types. More multifamily housing options are being provided and many of those are built in mixed use areas like the downtown.
Options:
Information only. No action requested.
Financial Impact:
None - Briefing Only.
Attachments:
None.