New Bill Aims to Hold WA Cities Accountable for Affordable Housing

• Author: Margaret Hills
• Posted: 2024-03-20

A bill designed to hold Washington cities accountable in their efforts to provide affordable housing and emergency shelter has gained significant traction during this legislative session.

Although it ultimately did not pass, there is optimism that the bill, known as House Bill 2474, will be reintroduced and successfully enacted in the near future.

The proposed legislation seeks to address the critical issue of affordable housing accessibility across the state.


Cities' Accountability in Affordable Housing

HB 2474, introduced by Representative Strom Peterson, chair of the House Housing Committee, was inspired by instances of cities canceling affordable housing projects and retracting permits for emergency shelters.

One such example is the city of Kenmore, which recently rejected a 100-unit affordable housing project developed by Plymouth Housing after more than 20 months of collaboration.

Governor Jay Inslee criticized Kenmore's actions, describing them as "NIMBYism" (not in my backyard) during a news briefing.


The Proposed Legislation

HB 2474 evolved over the course of the legislative session to include a fiscal penalty provision, granting the state treasurer's office the authority to withhold various state funding sources, such as motor vehicle fuel tax revenue and liquor profit tax revenue, if a city is found to be in violation of state law or its own comprehensive plan.

The bill also called for a mediation process between cities and affordable housing or shelter developers to resolve disputes.


Public Reception and Future Prospects

Although the bill did not advance past the Senate committee, lawmakers and proponents of the bill remain hopeful for its return next year.

State Senator Liz Lovelett, chairwoman of the Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs Committee, emphasized the need for further refinement and substantial discussions with cities regarding the prospective penalties.

It is crucial to garner cities' input to ensure effective implementation.


The Importance of Affordable Housing

The Washington Low Income Housing Alliance has expressed optimism about the bill's return in the future, citing the pressing need for addressing the homelessness crisis in the state.

With over 28,000 individuals counted as experiencing homelessness during the 2023 Point-in-Time count, and experts claiming that it is likely an undercount, the urgency to provide affordable housing and shelter is paramount.


Conclusion

While House Bill 2474 did not pass this legislative session, its aims to hold Washington cities accountable for affordable housing and emergency shelter provide a solid foundation for future efforts.

The bill's reintroduction next year offers an opportunity to refine its provisions and engage in productive discussions with cities to ensure a comprehensive approach towards addressing the critical need for affordable housing in the state.

With the collaboration of lawmakers, local leaders, and housing advocates, the goal of making affordable housing accessible to all can become a reality in Washington.