OLYMPIA, Wash. — The public is invited to a Regional Housing Action Plan Forum on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, from 5:00-6:30 pm. This will be an online event, via Zoom, and participants must register to attend (see link below). 

Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) in collaboration with the cities of Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater are developing a regional housing action plan. Join us as we share what we’ve learned about our region’s housing needs, gaps and the types of actions the cities are contemplating to encourage construction of more housing, more housing options, affordability and stability for residents. 

There will be a short presentation at the start of the event, followed by an opportunity for the public to ask questions. The event will be recorded and posted to the project website for those unable to make it.

About the Regional Housing Action Plan 

In 2019 the Washington state legislature made grant funds available to cities to develop housing action plans. In recognition of the cross-jurisdictional need for affordable housing, the cities of Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater are working collaboratively on this effort with help from TRPC. This project is a continuation of efforts already underway in each city to expand housing access and affordability, and includes:

• A housing needs assessment, including a 25-year projection of housing affordable at different income levels.
• A rental survey, to better understand what residents are paying for rent and how rents are changing. 
• A regional housing action plan consisting of a menu of actions Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater can take to ensure a housing stock adequate and affordable for current and future residents.

This regional work will be complete in late January 2021. From there, each city will identify the specific actions it will take; each city must adopt its own housing action plan by June 2021. Over fifty actions are contemplated to address the following gaps identified in the completed Housing Needs Assessment:

• Affordability. Reduce the cost of housing for low-income and cost-burdened households.
• Supply. Increase the inventory of housing for all households.
• Variety. Increase the variety of housing sizes and types.
• Seniors. Increase the stock of housing options needed for aging seniors.
• Improvements. Maintain the existing housing stock, including improving energy efficiency and air quality.
• Stability. Increase household wealth by providing safe, stable options for rental housing and pathways to homeownership.
• Supportive Housing. Increase permanent housing options for people with disabilities and those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Participants Must Register in Advance

Please register in advance at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JzzdivQlQ7S22x5jF9p_vw

###