TRPC’s vision states that its actions will foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community that remains affordable and livable. This page includes information on data and projects related to housing affordability.
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Housing Need Allocations
In 2021, the state legislature passed HB 1220 which adds new requirements for jurisdictions to identify the 20-year housing need for low-income households in their Comprehensive Plans. Thurston County and the cities of Lacey, Olympia, Tenino, Tumwater, and Yelm contracted with TRPC to provide facilitation and data support to help them implement this new law.
TRPC approved housing need allocations as a provisional step for jurisdictions to meet Comprehensive Plan update requirements at its December 6, 2024 meeting.
With help from TRPC, the cities of Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater developed individual Housing Action Plans to encourage the construction of affordable and market-rate housing in a greater variety of housing types at prices accessible to a greater variety of incomes.
Funding for the Housing Action Plans was provided by HB 1923.
Homelessness
Thurston County’s 5-Year Homeless Crisis Response Plan (2019-2024) identifies the region’s response to the homeless housing crisis. The Homeless Crisis Response Plan is drafted by Thurston County’s Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention.