Our Local Housing Crisis and What Our WA State Legislators & REALTORS® Have Planned for 2023
Happy New Year! I hope yours is off to a healthy and auspicious start.
As VP Elect of Seattle King County REALTORS® Governmental & Public Affairs, I make staying informed on housing issues a top priority. Last week, myself and several hundred REALTORS® from across the state of Washington went to Olympia. This was to meet with our legislators and discuss our housing crisis.
Did you know that Washington State ranks dead last and available housing units? This is exacerbated an already challenging affordability problem. The good news is, that with Governor Jay Inslee's budget seeking $4 billion in housing initiative, there’s hope that 2023 will be a breakthrough year for housing.
Here is a summary of some of the key bills being considered this session:
First up: Transit Oriented Development or TOD. Improving TOD zoning and development regulations will provide the most number of new housing units to maximize the State's transportation investments.
Missing Middle. This focuses on allowing middle housing. In other words, 2-6 units or townhouses, cottage housing, etcetera, that are compatible with the existing neighborhood and affordable to build.
Increasing Condominium Supply. This is about removing legal and regulatory barriers that prevent the construction of new condos, which is an important and affordable first-time homebuyer option.
Streamlining Regulations That Add Cost Litigation. Think about things like local design reviews, or duplicate environmental reviews and other regulations. These need to be streamlined to reduce housing costs.
Detached Accessory Dwelling Units. This would allow detached ADUs in rural areas, but would protect the rural character limitations on things such as size, appearance, and location.
Let me just tell you it was an energizing and productive day, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to meet with my representatives. They listened, they asked good questions, and it's clear that they understand what we are trying to accomplish. I can also tell you this. The problems you are facing are neither red problems or blue problems. But if we want to provide quality of life for all Washingtonians, it will absolutely require a purple solution.
If you have any questions about this year's housing agenda, feel free to reach out. It's something I'm truly passionate about, and I would love to talk with you further.
If you have any questions about this year's housing agenda, feel free to reach out. It's something I'm truly passionate about, and I would love to talk with you further.
Call/text or email me anytime! ginam@windermere.com.
