Title
Briefing on the Regional Housing Action Plan
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion on the regional Housing Needs Assessment and Action Plan
Staff Contact:
Amy Buckler, Strategic Projects Manager, Community Planning & Development, 360.280.8947
Presenter(s):
Amy Buckler
Background and Analysis:
The Cities of Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater in collaboration with Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) are developing a regional housing action plan. Staff will share key findings from a recent housing needs assessment and the types of actions the cities are contemplating to encourage construction of more housing, more housing options, affordability and stability for residents.
In 2019, the Washington state legislature made grant funds available to cities to develop housing action plans. In recognition of our shared housing market and the cross-jurisdictional need for affordable housing, the Cities of Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater jointly applied for and received funds to collaborate on this effort. The project includes:
• A housing needs assessment, including a 25-year projection of housing affordable at different income levels (see attached)
• A rental survey, to better understand what residents are paying for rent and how rents are changing (in progress)
• A menu of actions cites can take to ensure housing stock adequate and affordable for current and future residents (in progress)
This regional work will be complete in late January. From there, each city will identify which actions it will take. Olympia will provide further opportunity for public comment this spring before adopting its specific housing action plan in June 2021. This is a continuation of ongoing work by the City of Olympia to address housing needs; it informs the process for how we use data to measure success, annual work plans, and a periodic Comprehensive Plan update.
Over fifty actions are contemplated to address the following identified housing gaps:
• Affordability. Reduce the cost of housing for low-income and cost-burdened households.
• Supply. Increase the inventory of housing for all households.
• Variety. Increase the variety of housing sizes and types
• Seniors. Increase the stock of housing options needed for aging seniors.
• Improvements. Maintain the existing housing stock, including improving energy efficiency and air quality.
• Stability. Increase household wealth by providing safe, stable options for rental housing and pathways to homeownership.
• Supportive Housing. Increase permanent housing options for people with disabilities and those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Housing affordability and homelessness are of great concern to the Olympia community.
A virtual public forum will be held Wednesday, January 13th from 5:00-6:30 pm, via Zoom. The event includes a presentation of key findings and approaches under consideration followed by time for the public to ask questions. Participants must register in advance (a link to the registration is attached.)
Options:
Information only. No action requested.
Financial Impact:
Collectively, the Cities of Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater received $300,000 in grant funds from the Washington State Department of Commerce for this project.
Attachments:
Housing Needs Assessment (corrected 12/21/20)
Link to Project webpage
Link to Jan 13 Event Registration