In a sea of complex and lengthy bills to address the housing crises (and yes, that is plural crises), here are two good bills that offer what is needed most – direct support for funding housing.

Many of you may recognize a bill number from the 2019 session – HB 1406. That’s the bill that established a local revenue sharing program to support affordable housing (Affordable Housing Sales Tax Credit). SB 5604, removes the population limitations on how cities spend the money. Now all jurisdictions can use the funds for all uses:

• Acquiring, rehabilitating, or constructing affordable housing;
• Funding the operations and maintenance costs of affordable or supportive housing; and
• Providing rental assistance.

AWC appreciates Sen. June Robinson (D–Everett) for sponsoring this helpful change.

The other bill, SB 5613, amends a rural county tax (RCW 82.14.370) but is one which the county must coordinate with the city when deciding how to spend the revenue. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Liz Lovelett (D–Anacortes), repeals the sunset of 25 years, and extends it to December 31, 2054. Affordable workforce housing was added in 2022 (SB 5868) as an eligible use of these funds. A good little bill.

Dates to remember

SB 5613 and SB 5604 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs Committee on Tuesday, February 7 at 8 am.