The New Year is here, and with it comes the launch of the 2023 State Legislative session on January 9th. Our legislators on both sides of the aisle are saying that this is the “Year of Housing”, with a real focus on solving the housing crisis our region faces. As part of our work, SKHHP has adopted its legislative priorities for this year, and will be working diligently with our state government to increase access to housing for South King County.
The following state legislative priorities focus on legislation that will positively impact South King County communities by increasing housing stability, preventing displacement, authorizing local affordable housing tools and revenue options, and providing funding for affordable housing.
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INCREASE HOUSING STABILITY AND PREVENT DISPLACEMENT
To truly make an impact, one must understand the width and depth of the problem. That is why SKHHP is asking for the creation of a statewide rental and vacant property registry. By maintaining this information and providing it to local governments, a better understanding of the true housing needs leads to more effective housing decisions.
In 2021, Washington State passed the “Right to Counsel”, a program which provides tenants access to a lawyer during an eviction process. This cost saving program will help to eliminate unlawful displacement in South King County, and we ask for an increase in funding to further support the “Right to Counsel” program.
LOCAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING TOOLS AND REVENUE OPTIONS
This year we hope that the State of Washington recognizes the incredible abilities of local government to address the concerns of housing affordability by increasing the availability of funding options. One such option would be for the creation of local Real Estate Excise Taxes (REET), an opportunity to increase the amount of funding to support and create housing. Washington should also take steps to reform its land surplus policies so that they increase the benefit to the public by providing affordable homes for our neighbors. Lastly, the state must recognize the immense challenge small, local governments experience addressing region-wide issues and provide additional planning resources and support to empower local governments to better support their communities.
FUND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Finally, we ask that the State of Washington fully funds the Housing Trust Fund and continues to find ways to invest and support in homeownership opportunities across our region. These solutions must be well thought out, and not create an additional cost burden on low-income families. Doing so will only undermine the work both SKHHP and the WA State Legislature hope to achieve.
Join us in making 2023 the “Year of Housing” and working together to create solutions that empower our neighbors to keep their homes, and new friends to move-in beside us.
Know Who Your Legislator is?
Want to make your voice heard in Olympia this year? Here is a quick tool to find the contact information of your State and Federal Legislator. Find My Legislator |
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The SKHHP Executive Board meets the 3rd Friday of every month from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm. Virtual and in person attendance information and agenda packets can be found on the SKHHP website. Upcoming meeting dates are as follows:
The SKHHP Advisory Board meets on the first Thursday of every month from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Virtual and in person attendance information and agenda packets can be found on the SKHHP website. Upcoming meeting dates are as follows:
Please email info@skhhp.org, with questions or concerns.
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