Title
Complete Letter Summarizing Public Comments on Olympia Housing Action Plan
Recommended Action
Review draft summary letter for City Council, make any changes, including adding Commissioner comments, and move to give the Chair authority to review and sign the final letter following the meeting.
Report
Issue:
Whether to complete a letter to City Council summarizing public comments on Olympia's Housing Action Plan. The Plan defines strategies and actions that promote more housing, more diverse housing types, affordability and stability.
Staff Contact:
Amy Buckler, Strategic Projects Manager, Community Planning & Development, 360.280.8947
Presenter(s):
Amy Buckler, Strategic Projects Manager
Background and Analysis:
On May 17, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the draft Olympia Housing Action Plan. The Commission has been asked to provide a letter to City Council summarizing the public's comments. The Commission is not asked to make a formal recommendation. Chair Millar also attended the May 27 Land Use Committee meeting to provide a report out.
In 2019, the Washington state legislature made grant funds available to cities to develop housing action plans that promote more housing, more diverse housing types and affordability. 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.
With help from TRPC, the cities completed several deliverables that provide necessary background information and identify strategies and potential actions the cities can take. These are available on the attached Engage Olympia page and include:
* A housing needs assessment, including a 25-year projection of housing affordable at different income levels.
* A landlord survey, to better understand what residents are paying for rent and how rents are changing.
* A draft regional housing action plan (menu o...
Click here for full text