top of page

2023 legislative agenda

The Affordable Housing Consortium is effecting change through community education, advocacy, and the provision of resources to advance the development and preservation of housing that is affordable, attainable, and free of discrimination. We believe everyone deserves a place to call home.

STATE INVESTMENTS IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Pierce County has a robust pipeline of affordable housing projects. To that end, AHC supports a $400M investment into the Housing Trust Fund and seeks investment into local projects that would provide hundreds of new affordable units to our residents.

FUNDING FOR PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING

Permanent supportive housing is highly effective, yet the most costly housing to operate and manage due to the level of care provided. To continue housing our community's most vulnerable individuals, housing providers need ongoing support through investment in the ongoing operation and maintenance of permanent supportive housing.

LOCAL FUNDING TO SUPPORT HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Pierce County and its municipalities are severely limited in their ability to provide enough funding for the development of affordable housing. Local funding leverages dollars at a ratio of $20 for every $1 invested yet it is not enough. Municipalities need new funding sources to support the development of more affordable housing.

SUPPORT FOR BLACK HOMEOWNERSHIP

Discriminatory housing practices and decades of disinvestment have created a staggering wealth gap that persists today. AHC shares in a widespread urgency to nurture systems that promote racial equity. This includes supporting new homeownership opportunities for Black first-time low-to-moderate income homeowners through down payment assistance, technical and capacity-building support for BIPOC nonprofits, and expanding homeownership opportunities through development and acquisition.

INCENTIVIZE HOST HOMES TO ADDRESS YOUTH HOMELESSNESS

Host home programs match youth experiencing homelessness with a community member who is willing to provide housing. Providing a property tax exemption to homeowners who participate in the Host Home program will encourage participation and incentivize new homeowners to join. ESHB 1175 (2022).

SUPPORT FOR DCYF HOUSING ACCESS AND SUPPORTS PACKAGE

The Housing Access and Supports Package will provide community-based supportive housing services for young people exiting these systems, and families involved in child welfare. It will provide DCYF clients with the wraparound support they need to become successfully and sustainably housed. The $17.2M in funding per biennium will leverage an additional $23M annually in federal funding for housing units and DCYF clients.

COST OF HOME GRANT SHARING PROGRAM

Home sharing programs are operated by nonprofits and match individuals experiencing homelessness to individuals seeking to share their homes. These programs need local funding to continue providing this service. A technical fix would allow home sharing programs to qualify for local funding collected by the Document Recording Fee. HB 1183 (2022).

Download
bottom of page