Update on AWC’s Housing Solutions Group

During the legislative interim, AWC initiated a stakeholder process to develop a proactive suite of legislative proposals to address the housing challenges facing all corners of the state. In August, the Housing Solutions Group (HSG), consisting of 15 city officials, convened to identify policy solutions to increase housing availability and affordability in our communities. AWC has contracted with BDS Planning to serve as the facilitator for the process.

The HSG met three times before bringing the conversation to outside stakeholders. On October 4, representatives of the HSG met with external partners, including legislators, representatives from the Governor’s Office, and interest groups, including those representing the construction industry, realtors, low-income housing advocates, and the Sightline Institute. On October 12, the HSG convened again to share progress and have a dialogue with Governor Inslee. The stakeholder process will run through November.

Themes of the conversation to date include:

• Delivery of more affordable rental units
• Expanded homeownership opportunities, especially affordable
• Need for revenue that is scoped to the true size of the challenge
• An increase in overall supply—for all price ranges and housing types
• Desire for all cities to be expected to do their part, but flexibility on how
• Solutions that will address various housing pressures based on locale and characteristics of city – tourism, college town, proximity to large metro, regional transit access, technology or agriculture sectors, etc.

Members of the Housing Solutions Group: