The state legislature’s Housing, Community Development & Veterans Committee passed four homelessness bills (described below). These bills would enable local communities and religious organizations to develop affordable housing using existing tax bases.
HB 1219 Excise Tax 2.5% of selling price to support homeless projects. This bill has passed the House and is awaiting executive action in the Senate Housing Stability & Affordability Committee. Prime Sponsor Amy Walen 45thdistrict (Kirkland) said that cities need new revenue; she said that we should trust cities to develop infrastructure, and local governments have proven capabilities. Kirkland deputy mayor testified that this would permit cities to develop afford housing closer to jobs. Washington realtors support goals of cities develop affordable housing but request a time frame to inspect housing four years after construction to see if it meets objectives.
HB 1377 Housing development by religious organizations would be permitted on their property, including high-density housing for low-income households. This bill has passed the House and is awaiting executive action in the Senate Housing Stability & Affordability Committee. Religious organizations would be required to pay all fees and costs. Prime sponsor, Amy Walen, said it would address homelessness. Faith communities often lead the way. Some zoning requirements preclude religious organizations from establishing affordable housing and they need some scope. Paul Benz, Director of Faith Action Network, testified in support of bill and noted that the faith community around the state was supportive.
HB 1406 authorizes local areas to use sales tax for affordable housing. This bill has passed the House and is awaiting executive action in the Senate Housing Stability & Affordability Committee. Smaller cities and counties can use revenue for rental assistance as well as development. June Robinson, 35thdistrict (Snohomish), was prime sponsor, noted that local communities would have flexibility for developing housing. The bill does not increase overall sales tax, only allows shift from other spending. Mental health issues do enter into consideration as the housing involves location of mentally ill, who need a stable place to live they can afford. Renton city official supported bill, would build 100 units each year if funds are available under bill. Paul Benz of Faith Action Network also supported this bill.
HB 1207 Mobile Home Parks: allows cities to regulate but requires that they allow replacements for older mobile homes.This bill has passed the House and is awaiting action in the Senate Housing Stability & Affordability Committee. Prime sponsor Cindy Ryu, 32ndDistrict (Shoreline) commended bill for reducing homelessness. An owner of a mobile home park in Sequim noted that city tried to stop replacing mobile homes but was prevented from doing so by her lawyer. HB 1207 would permit owners to use state law to replace older mobile homes. Mobile homes sometime come with stigmas but current mobile home parks have good infrastructure.
More detailed information is available at https://www.sightline.org/2019/02/07/washington-state-housing-affordability-bills/
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