AWC and individual cities have been working with the faith community to try to find common ground on the proposals in HB 1377 for many years. HB 1377, sponsored by Rep. Amy Whalen (D–Kirkland), would require cities to provide a density bonus for affordable housing built on property owned by religious organizations; but would allow the city to determine the scale and scope of that bonus consistent with local needs. SB 5358, sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D–Seattle), is its companion.

It is our hope that this proposal is workable for cities who have faith organizations that would like to redevelop their land for affordable housing purposes. Your thoughts on whether this proposal is problematic from your perspective, or if you have ideas on how to improve it, are welcome. Please contact Carl.

Dates to remember

HB 1377 will be heard on Friday, February 1 at 10 am in the House Housing, Community Development & Veterans Committee.

SB 5358 is scheduled for a hearing on Wednesday, January 30 at 1:30 pm in the Senate Housing Stability & Affordability Committee.