Election season is underway. As a nonprofit, HRB cannot endorse any candidate seeking public office, but we can provide education. To help you identify those with the strongest record and most compelling policy ideas for addressing our housing crisis, we reached out to candidates for U.S. House of Representatives, Washington State Senate, Washington State House of Representatives, and Kitsap County Commission with four questions about affordable housing. Ten opted to participate. We have reproduced their answers exactly as they were submitted.
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington District 6
No questionnaire response returned.
1. Washington state has an affordable housing crisis. What do you believe contributes to this crisis and why?
My top priority will be addressing our housing crisis with the same sense of urgency, determination, critical investments and focus on results that I brought to addressing our state’s wildfire response.
Addressing our housing crisis will help people in different ways: it’s a critical part of our response to the fentanyl crisis (through housing first response), critical to families and to meet educational goals (since unstably housed kids can’t learn as well) and critical to economic opportunity by housing people where they can access good paying jobs without endless commutes that increase costs for families and impact their health and wellbeing.
The cost of housing is too high mostly due to a shortage of housing and the high cost to build housing. In the Central Puget Sound region, we built housing after World War 2 for $5,000 per detached single-family home. Applying inflation up to today, that’s about $250K. Yet the median home price in the region is more than double that.
Land use policy over the course of the 20th century has restricted supply and housing types across most of our urban growth areas. Add in the increased time for processing permits and increased infrastructure costs and it is harder for supply to keep up with demand. The cumulative effect of restricting supply and housing types across so many places results in the high prices we see today.
2. Think about the office you will hold if elected. What is the role of that office in addressing the affordable housing crisis?
Congress should increase access to and investments in federal programs that produce and preserve affordable housing for people nationwide. The cost to develop housing of all sorts, both affordable and market rate, has rapidly increased over the last few years due to supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages and rising interest rates. Renters are struggling to afford increased costs, homeownership is increasingly out of sight for prospective buyers on tight budgets, and affordable housing developers must find creative sources to fill budget gaps created by increased borrowing costs. The solution is to create more housing people can afford and make sure we preserve the stock that already exists.
To that end, Congress must support programs that increase housing production, affordability and accessibility, including low-income housing tax credits, direct federal funding and subsidized lending. Congress should also create more opportunities for home ownership in distressed communities, push for increased appropriations for vital programs at HUD, USDA and Treasury to build and preserve affordable housing, assist with infrastructure funding needs, and improve capacity of local organizations to serve their communities.
Congress must also work to address housing inequities in underserved communities. These inequities exist in large part due to past policies that actively fostered racial segregation and systematically limited access to opportunities for BIPOC communities. Housing investments are critical to address the huge racial disparities facing so many communities to this day.
3. How will you use your office to advance solutions that address our affordable housing crisis? Please be specific.
In Congress I’ll work to push policies and investments that increase housing production, affordability and accessibility. The Housing Credit is our largest and most successful tool for encouraging private investment in the production and preservation of affordable rental housing. Expanding the Housing Credit is critical to combat rising rents for scores of low-income individuals, families, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness.
I support the Neighborhood Homes Tax Credit (NHTC), a proposed public-private partnership that aims to mobilize private equity investment to develop or renovate one-to four-unit family housing in distressed, blighted neighborhoods with low homeownership rates. The program covers the “value gap” between the cost of building or renovating a home and the price at which it can be sold to lower-and middle-income homeowners, providing more equitable opportunities for homeownership and upward economic mobility.
I support increasing funding for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and modernizing and reauthorizing it, which is our most flexible and proven affordable housing program for delivering resources to urban, suburban and rural communities. I also support strong funding levels to programs that preserve the Section 515 Rural Rental Housing Loan Program and the Section 521 Rural Rental Assistance Program, as well as for rental assistance to be “decoupled” from requirements that a property must have a USDA mortgage to receive assistance. And I will support increased funding for CDCs and CHDOs so they can help strengthen rural and urban communities.
4. What are the challenges you will face when making affordable housing policy decisions and how will you overcome those challenges?
As a City Councilor on Bainbridge, a non-profit Executive Director, and Public Lands Commissioner, I have hands-on experience with writing and passing local and state affordable housing policies and securing local and state funding for affordable and workforce housing. In my work, I have faced legal, statutory and funding challenges for affordable housing policies and investments. In Congress, I will use my position, my expertise, and my experience to lift up the issue of affordable housing and help bring solutions to local governments, non-profits and communities.
Congress presents its own challenges in trying to pass major statutory policy, reauthorization bills and secure new funding. However, I believe that housing is one of the crises facing every state and community in the nation; it crosses the urban and rural divide and Republican and Democrat divide; and if one works hard enough, one can build bipartisan support. I have proven my ability to pass significant housing policies and funding at both the local and state level, building broad coalitions and bipartisan support. From the very beginning, I will work to find and build partnerships with congressional leaders from both sides of the aisle, build a broad coalition, and work tirelessly to secure the critical investments and policies we need to address our housing crisis. I will also leverage my experience working with over 14 federal agencies to help them improve programs, policies and practices to expedite investments and accelerate affordable housing development.
No questionnaire response returned.
No questionnaire response returned.
1. Washington state has an affordable housing crisis. What do you believe contributes to this crisis and why?
For too many Washington families, housing is unaffordable or inaccessible. We are indeed in the midst of an affordable housing crisis. This crisis is a consequence of years of underbuilding the housing we need to accommodate our growing region, and an unregulated rental market that has attracted private equity and venture capital, international investments, and price-fixing from rental platforms. I often hear from constituents who are forced to skip meals or forgo necessary medications to pay their rent, or young people who have lost hope of ever owning a home. I, too, had given up, until I qualified for down payment assistance from Washington State’s First Time Homebuyer program. I got lucky – that I qualified for a mortgage, that the interest rates were affordable, that there was a home on the market in my price range. But when I knock doors and talk to neighbors, I meet many who aren’t so lucky – retirees who want to age in dignity in the home they’ve poured so much into, but who are being driven out by rising rents; families who are squeezing extra generations into their home to hold onto it.
Despite significant progress in recent years by the legislature, local governments, housing advocates, and builders, years of zoning and other laws that disincentivized building all but single-family homes and a lack of state investment in developing affordable housing left us with a housing shortage that has driven up the costs across the board.
2. How will you use your office to advance solutions that address our affordable housing crisis? Please be specific.
In Congress, I hope to expand on our work in Washington State to address the affordable housing crisis and champion solutions that ensure everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.
This includes supporting initiatives that incentivize the construction of affordable housing, particularly in areas facing the greatest housing shortages. I will work to streamline regulatory processes and increase funding for low-income housing tax credits to encourage private developers to invest in affordable housing projects, including mixed-income and mixed-zoning projects that support the growth of economically diverse communities.
Secondly, I am committed to preserving existing affordable housing stock. This involves strengthening tenant protections and advocating for policies that prevent the displacement of vulnerable communities due to rising rents or gentrification. I also believe we should explore providing tax credits for economically vulnerable renters.
I will prioritize expanding rental assistance programs like the Housing Choice Voucher program. This critical program supports low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, helping them afford housing in the private market. I will work to increase voucher funding, streamline administrative processes to reduce waitlists, and ensure timely access to assistance.
Additionally, I recognize the importance of investing in tribal housing. Tribal communities face unique challenges in accessing affordable housing. I will advocate for increased federal investment in housing programs tailored to meet the needs of Native American tribes in Washington state.
Finally, I will support initiatives to provide down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers. Homeownership remains a cornerstone of financial stability and wealth-building for many families. I will work to expand access to programs that help individuals and families achieve homeownership, particularly those from underserved communities.
3. What are the challenges you will face when making affordable housing policy decisions, and how will you overcome those challenges?
In the State Senate, I represent a diverse district that encompasses urban, suburban, and rural areas, all with unique housing needs and challenges. The 6th Congressional District is large, with diverse communities that won’t benefit from a one-size-fits-all housing policy.
What works in Tacoma won’t necessarily benefit Bainbridge or the Quinault Nation or the Squaxin Island Tribe. Our housing challenges require flexibility and tailored solutions. I benefit from my deep ties to this district and its people. I was born here and grew up here, and my wife and I have made our life here. I understand the needs of our district and will work to engage stakeholders early and often, including community leaders, advocacy groups, and housing experts, so we can develop policies that reflect the diverse needs of Washington State and the 6th district.
Further, I have been lucky to work in the legislature with people on both sides of the aisle who are committed to addressing our state’s affordable housing crisis. I know that may be harder to accomplish in DC, but I am a bipartisan bridge-builder–first in the State Senate and hopefully next in Congress.
As a legislator, I am committed to finding common-sense, bipartisan solutions to our state’s biggest challenges. The affordable housing crisis is hurting red areas just as much as blue, and I will look for partners, regardless of party or ideology, to seek solutions that benefit our districts.
4. What are the challenges you will face when making affordable housing policy decisions and how will you overcome those challenges?
No response provided.
Washington State House of Representatives, Position 1, Legislative District 23
1. Washington state has an affordable housing crisis. What do you believe contributes to this crisis and why?
The affordable housing crisis in Washington is a pressing issue driven by several factors. Firstly, the rapid population growth has outpaced the development of affordable housing units. Secondly, rising property values, rents, stagnant wages, skyrocketing inflation, and higher interest rates have made it increasingly difficult for working people to afford housing. Thirdly, restrictive zoning laws and bureaucratic red tape hinder the construction of new housing developments. Lastly, a lack of incentives for public housing investment and support for low and moderate-income families contributes to the crises. These factors create a perfect storm, making affordable housing scarce and inaccessible for too many, including our teachers, healthcare providers, and first responders.
As a Bainbridge Island resident and mom raising two teenagers, I understand the struggles in finding affordable housing. Living on Bainbridge Island with relatively affordable rent has allowed me to experience the community’s benefits firsthand, but I know this is only the case for some. In my campaign, I have met with police officers who commute long distances because they cannot afford housing in the communities they protect. These firsthand accounts raise many concerns and questions, and I will work to find answers to them.
2. Think about the office you will hold if elected. What is the role of that office in addressing the affordable housing crisis?
As an independent member of the Washington State Legislature, I am uniquely positioned to address the affordable housing crisis without being beholden to a particular political party agenda. This independence allows me to build coalitions and pursue policies and ideas that cross party lines, fostering collaboration and innovation.
My role will be to study, craft, and support bipartisan legislation that addresses the root causes of the affordable housing crisis. My approach includes identifying creative, forward-thinking solutions and advocating for policies that increase funding for affordable housing projects, streamline the permitting process, and incentivize low- and moderate-income housing construction. Additionally, I will work to ensure that tenant protections are strengthened and that there are adequate resources for those at risk of homelessness.
By collaborating with local governments and housing advocates, we can develop comprehensive solutions that meet the needs of our community. This approach ensures that partisan politics do not limit us and can focus on pragmatic, practical solutions for the housing challenges we face.
3. How will you use your office to advance solutions that address our affordable housing crisis? Please be specific.
I will use my office to champion affordable housing development legislation by leveraging my independent status to advocate for workable solutions outside the political status quo. This includes proposing tax incentives for developers who build affordable units and securing funding for public housing projects. As an independent legislator, I can effectively bring together diverse coalitions, including investors, developers, and tenants, to find common ground and develop comprehensive solutions.
Additionally, I will work to establish partnerships between the state, non-profits, and private sectors to create innovative housing solutions. Transparency and community engagement will be key components of my approach to ensure effective and equitable policies. By fostering collaboration across various sectors and focusing on pragmatic solutions, we can make significant progress in addressing the affordable housing crisis for all stages of life.
4. What are the challenges you will face when making affordable housing policy decisions and how will you overcome those challenges?
One of the main challenges will be balancing the interests of various stakeholders, including developers, landlords, tenants, and local governments. Resistance to change is a hurdle, especially regarding zoning laws and funding allocations. My experience as a crime victim advocate has taught me the importance of navigating and overcoming bureaucratic red tape and obstacles, which is essential for any dedicated public servant.
To overcome these challenges, I will focus on building broad coalitions and fostering open dialogue among all parties involved. Our shared goal is to find practical solutions. My independence enables me to unite diverse groups to work collaboratively towards this goal. Finding common ground is just common sense. I will ensure that the voices of those directly impacted by the housing crisis, especially renters and low-income families, are heard and considered in policy decisions. Transparency, persistence, and a willingness to listen will be critical components of my approach to overcoming these challenges and implementing innovative, effective, and affordable housing policies.
No questionnaire response returned.
1. Washington state has an affordable housing crisis. What do you believe contributes to this crisis and why?
The affordable housing crisis is caused by several factors. One of the biggest drivers is lack of available homes which allows developers and landlords to charge more. In addition, there is a lack of subsidized housing programs for people who lack the ability to pay market prices. This could be due to the fact they have a disability, are a senior, a domestic violence survivor, or just unable to find a better paying job. These conditions are driving people into homelessness, and leaving our most vulnerable populations without the dignity they deserve.
2. Think about the office you will hold if elected. What is the role of that office in addressing the affordable housing crisis?
As a Washington State Representative I have the honor and privilege of advocating for both state level policies and budget investments to tackle affordable housing. We make decisions on the extension or contraction of local control in zoning laws, the laws governing landlords ability to charge rent, fees, or deposits; and the amount of money to allocate to our Housing Trust Fund. Given my own lived experiences with homelessness, the use of subsidized housing as a teen mother, and the struggle to find an affordable house to buy; I advocate fiercely for people with similar struggles through my office.
3. How will you use your office to advance solutions that address our affordable housing crisis? Please be specific.
I will continue to co-sponsor and organize support for rent stabalization. I will continue to advocate for local capital budget investments towards affordable housing solutions for youth experiencing homelessness, seniors, people with disabilities, people of low-income backgrounds and more. I will continue to support reasonable protections for renters, including our seniors who live in assisted living, adult family homes or skilled nursing facilities.
4. What are the challenges you will face when making affordable housing policy decisions and how will you overcome those challenges?
The challenges I face are garnering enough support to pass rent stabalization and zoning regulations that incentivize multi-family homes because the opposition is well organized and resourced. We live in a capitalistic society and those who have the greatest need for affordable housing lack the power and resources to influence decision-makers. I’m working hard to get re-elected and elect other progressive champions like Brynn Felix so we can build a cadre of legislators across Washington that truly believe every person deserves to be in safe and affordable housing depending on their income level.
Washington State House of Representatives, Position 2, Legislative District 23
1. Washington state has an affordable housing crisis. What do you believe contributes to this crisis and why?
The housing crisis in Washington State is a result of systemic neglect in planning for population growth over the past two decades, as well as a lack of investment in low to middle-income housing. This trend is compounded by historically exclusionary policies that limited growth and blended communities.
These failures have led to the lowest number of housing units per household of any state in the country. I will advocate for inclusive growth strategies from Olympia that prioritize giving our communities the tools they need to responsibly build. Community involvement is critical to building a sustainable housing continuum, particularly for BIPOC, senior, and marginalized community members. These strategies are crucial to ensure that policies provide incentives for affordable housing and prioritize accessibility to community resources in transit-friendly locations. Elected officials must acknowledge that affordable housing is not a single-answer solution. A leadership model based around community-driven and transit-oriented development will ensure that all perspectives are reflected in our policy-making. I would support options like state-subsidized ADUs and sensible rent stabilization to address the unique housing challenges in our state. It is imperative that we protect vulnerable populations, such as seniors in mobile home parks, from housing insecurity caused by exploitative practices. By including every voice in this conversation, we can build a housing system that supports all community members.
2. Think about the office you will hold if elected. What is the role of that office in addressing the affordable housing crisis?
I am seeking election to the Washington Legislature, which plays a significant role in laying the groundwork to address our affordable housing crisis through regulation, incentives, and investment. Recognizing that the Legislature has the authority to regulate housing authorities, housing affordability, landlord/tenant law, housing financing, and investments in the Housing Trust Fund and Apple Health & Homes, I am committed to using all of the legislative tools at our disposal to move housing justice issues forward.
It is imperative that laws impacting tenants and landlords, homeowners, realtors, developers, housing authorities, local governments, and other stakeholders in our housing ecosystem are clear and equitable. The Legislature must signal their commitment to these issues, and must provide clear guidance to stakeholders. Moreover, where the Legislature directs counties and municipalities to plan for growth and affordability, I believe we must also offer assistance to help local governments fulfill these affordability mandates.
3. How will you use your office to advance solutions that address our affordable housing crisis? Please be specific.
I am committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure that we are increasing our affordable housing supply while staying true to our core values.
As General Counsel for a nonprofit community health agency that is actively building healthcare workforce and permanent supportive housing in our district, I have first-hand experience with local obstacles to building affordable housing. Housing takes time to build, and delays and unnecessary regulatory complexity increase building costs. I will advocate for reasonable zoning modifications that align with the Growth Management Act, incentives to speed up permit issuance, and a focus on affordable housing in new developments. I also support repurposing publicly-owned land for housing.
We must increase annual investments in the Washington State Housing Trust Fund, which helps nonprofits and local organizations build affordable housing. These dollars empower communities to leverage their local infrastructure to meet the needs of their community.
We must prioritize the development of diverse and inclusive housing communities with access to essential resources and public transportation. To achieve true equity, we need to support organizations that are led by and serve those impacted by historically unfair housing practices and which proactively work to address the systemic conditions that perpetuate inequality. This ensures that BIPOC and historically marginalized communities, who have traditionally been sidelined in these discussions, are included in development plans.
We must enact reasonable rent stabilization to prevent homelessness before it occurs, as many hard-working people in our community are only one paycheck away from eviction.
4. What are the challenges you will face when making affordable housing policy decisions and how will you overcome those challenges?
2024 was expected to be “The Year of Housing, Part 2” to close out the biennium. I attended the Re-Wire conference last December and heard from legislative housing champions Sen. Yasmin Trudeau and Rep. Jessica Bateman, the Washington Association of Realtors, the Tenants Union of Washington State, and the Association of Washington Cities. Even among these diverse stakeholders, there was a strong belief that the Legislature would pass far more housing bills than they were ultimately able to.
These challenges stem, in large part, from a lack of consensus among stakeholders who work on affordable housing issues when it comes to how we should approach affordability and increase our housing inventory. As a former civil rights organizer, I know that coalition-building is the key to accomplishing any policy change. I am committed to keeping an open dialogue and not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good. Our job as legislators is aligning stakeholders and passing legislation that moves the needle on issues like increasing housing stock through densification that comports with the Growth Management Act, and increasing needed investments in affordable housing.
1. Washington state has an affordable housing crisis. What do you believe contributes to this crisis and why?
There are many factors that are contributing to the the affordable housing crisis here in Washington state. Whether you rent or own, housing cost have more than double over the last decade with prices climbing faster than incomes. Contributing to higher building cost are supply chain delays, higher interest rates, workforce shortages, delayed permitting processes, and the high cost of buildable land. To address these and other issues will require different strategies.
We learned from the Covid pandemic that reliance on materials and supplies from China and other offshore sources can contribute to supply chain problems and can increase cost for builders. We must support industries within our country to avoid these delays and associated cost.
Workforce shortages not only effect increase supply chain delays it also adds to the labor cost of building and we need to address this by creating more opportunities for skills development, training, apprenticeships and job placement.
Building regulations and permitting is another reason that drives up the cost of housing. When a builder borrows money from a bank for developing and building and the permitting phase takes up to a year the cost of the interest accrued during that time is passed on to the consumer. Streamlining the state’s building code and county and city permitting can create savings for the consumer.
Lack of affordable building land is a major problem here in Kitsap. Lot splitting, more mixed middle housing where we build up and expanding where detached ADUs can locate will help.
2. Think about the office you will hold if elected. What is the role of that office in addressing the affordable housing crisis?
The role of a state legislator is to create bills that can improve the workforce shortages, address the lack of buildable land and help speed up the permitting process and then find sustainable funding to address this crisis. We must coordinate our local, city, county, and state efforts and bring all stakeholders together to find real solutions.
3. How will you use your office to advance solutions that address our affordable housing crisis? Please be specific.
As a member of the Washington State House of Representatives I will have the opportunity to address affordable housing by supporting initiatives that would address workforce shortages through creating more opportunities for skills development, training, apprenticeships and job placement. The Kitsap Building Association has a very successful apprenticeship that is bringing in new workers into their industry. Their program could be duplicated by other building associations in the state.
To help counties stream line the permitting process the legislature could help fund the training of more personal and create grants to help update antiquated systems. We can also look at streamlining regulations and eliminate overlapping regulations where possible. If necessary the legislature could also set standards for the length of time of the permitting process.
To address the shortage of buildable land the legislature could pass bills that would allow cities and counties, at their discretion, to expand building outside of current zoning areas that do impact our green spaces.
Specific bills I would support are ones that would allow cities to regulate lot splitting and counties to allow detachable ADUs in rural area as long as thee was no impact our green spaces.
4. What are the challenges you will face when making affordable housing policy decisions and how will you overcome those challenges?
The biggest challenge in addressing affordable housing crisis in our state will be the competing points of views on how to tackle the crisis. Listening and understanding those diverse points of view will allow me to make the most informed decisions. Bringing stakeholders together will be critical to coming up with real solutions to this challenge.
No questionnaire response returned.
1. Washington state has an affordable housing crisis. What do you believe contributes to this crisis and why?
Washington faces an affordable housing crisis because we need more housing at every income level, in every county across the state. Unfortunately, there are several factors contributing:
- Restrictive zoning preferences market-rate single family homes.
- Supply chain issues add to rising costs of construction materials.
- Lack of skilled tradespeople drives up construction costs.
- Permitting delays create financial costs that are passed onto consumers and taxpayers.
- Lack of coherent policy obstructs effective collaboration between municipal, county, state, and federal efforts.
These challenging market forces and policy failures have hampered the adoption of Transit-Oriented Development initiatives and the multifamily housing units that are vital to solving the affordable housing crisis in every corner of Washington.
2. Think about the office you will hold if elected. What is the role of that office in addressing the affordable housing crisis?
I believe housing is a human right. As your State Rep, I’m working to craft laws and policies that encourage the construction of affordable housing while investing $127 million in the Housing Trust Fund to ensure community organizations, nonprofits, and working families have the resources to bridge the housing gap.
As your State Rep, I serve on the House Transportation Committee and am honored to support investments in local infrastructure and public transit — including $80 million to Fix our Ferries, $4 million for Kitsap Transit, and $5.9 million for “Safe Routes to School” — that will help more neighbors reliably access work, school, groceries, childcare, and healthcare.
3. How will you use your office to advance solutions that address our affordable housing crisis? Please be specific.
Investments in public transit create new community connections and opportunities for affordable housing development. As a lifelong public transit rider, I believe in the power of transit to unlock opportunity and be a driver for equitable change. Public transit enables neighbors to access good jobs, compassionate childcare, better healthcare, and a safe place to call home.
My work as State Rep has focused on investing for more reliable ferry service, more frequent bus service, and “Safe Routes to Schools” so more kids, parents, and families are healthy and happy. I am passionate about passing rent stabilization and anti-discrimination legislation. I advocate for more housing at each level of the continuum so we can better serve every neighbor including those challenged by mental illness and addiction and job insecurity and discrimination.
I’m proud to lead investments for safe, walkable, bikeable communities where every neighbor can thrive. I advocate for smart density and transit-oriented development that honors our neighbors and our earth. As the House Democrats Assistant Whip, I rallied votes for rent stabilization to protect renters and I’m committed to advancing compassionate policies that help our most vulnerable neighbors.
4. What are the challenges you will face when making affordable housing policy decisions and how will you overcome those challenges?
Several of the reforms I’ve described will face concentrated opposition from special interest groups including NIMBY’s who oppose new construction, landlord associations, and freight companies who wish for more highway dollars and fewer public transit investments.
In the legislature, I pride myself on convening relevant stakeholders to hear diverse perspectives and then crafting policies and budgets that can solve the challenge at hand.
Overcoming challenges requires strong teamwork and I am honored to work with great colleagues in Olympia and in Kitsap. I am proudly endorsed by The Suquamish Tribe and The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Lt. Governor Denny Heck, former Senator Phil Rockefeller, Senator Drew Hansen, Kitsap PUD Commissioner Debra Lester, all 4 Kitsap firefighter unions, 6 Bainbridge City Councilmembers — Joe Deets, Ashley Mathews, Leslie Schneider, Kirsten Hytopoulos, Jon Quitslund, Clarence Moriwaki — and 46 Democratic State Representatives.
Washington State Senate, Legislative District 23
No questionnaire response returned.
No questionnaire response returned.
No questionnaire response submitted.
Kitsap County Commission, Position 1
No questionnaire response submitted.
Kitsap County Commission, Position 2
No questionnaire response returned.
1. Washington state has an affordable housing crisis. What do you believe contributes to this crisis and why?
The affordable housing crisis in Washington State is a multifaceted issue stemming from several contributing factors. Firstly, the rapid population growth has outpaced the development of new housing units, leading to a significant supply-demand imbalance. As noted in the Washington State Affordable Housing Advisory Board’s 2023-2028 Housing Advisory Plan, nearly half of the new units needed over the next 20 years must be affordable to households making less than 50% of the median family income (MFI).
Secondly, rising construction costs and stringent zoning laws have hindered affordable housing development. Local zoning regulations often limit the types of housing that can be built, favoring single-family homes over multi-family units, which are more affordable.
Thirdly, there is insufficient investment in affordable housing programs at the state and federal levels. The availability of subsidized housing has not kept pace with the growing need, leaving many low- and moderate-income households without adequate housing options.
Lastly, economic disparities and wage stagnation have exacerbated the housing affordability issue. While housing costs have soared, wages for many working-class families have not kept up, pushing homeownership and even rental housing out of reach for many.
This is evidenced in Kitsap County, where the median home price has increased significantly over the past decade, while the availability of affordable rental units has not met the rising demand.
2. Think about the office you will hold if elected. What is the role of that office in addressing the affordable housing crisis?
As a candidate for Kitsap County Commissioner, District 2, the role of this office is crucial in addressing the affordable housing crisis. The County Commissioner’s office can influence zoning laws, allocate funds for affordable housing projects, and collaborate with state and federal agencies to secure additional resources.
This office can advocate for zoning reforms allowing for higher-density housing developments, such as multi-family and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). By revising zoning codes to permit more diverse housing options, we can increase the supply of affordable housing.
Additionally, the County Commissioner’s office can prioritize affordable housing in the county’s budget, ensuring that funds are allocated to support the construction and maintenance of affordable housing units. This includes leveraging public-private partnerships to develop mixed-income housing projects that can provide affordable housing while generating revenue.
Moreover, this office can be pivotal in coordinating with non-profit organizations and other stakeholders to implement housing programs that address homelessness, housing instability, and non-economic factors contributing to income issues. By fostering collaborations and pooling resources, we can create a more comprehensive and effective approach to tackling the housing crisis in Kitsap County.
3. How will you use your office to advance solutions that address our affordable housing crisis? Please be specific.
If elected as County Commissioner, through several specific initiatives:
- Zoning Reform and Land Use Policies: I will advocate for zoning changes that facilitate the development of multi-family housing and ADUs. This includes streamlining the permitting process and providing incentives for developers to build affordable housing
- Public-Private Partnerships: I will work to create partnerships between the county, private developers, and non-profit organizations to develop mixed-income housing projects. These partnerships can leverage private capital and public resources to build affordable housing that meets the needs of our community.
- Affordable Housing Trust Fund: I will propose the establishment of a county-wide Affordable Housing Trust Fund. This fund would provide financial support for the development and preservation of affordable housing units, ensuring that low- and moderate-income families have access to safe, sustainable, and affordable homes.
- Supportive Housing Programs: I will champion programs that provide wraparound services for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. This includes funding for mental health services, job training programs, and other support services that help individuals maintain stable housing.
- Community Land Trusts (CLTs): I will promote the expansion of CLTs to preserve land for affordable housing. CLTs can ensure long-term affordability by controlling land costs and maintaining affordable rent and sale prices.
- Housing Vouchers and Subsidies: I will advocate for increased funding for housing vouchers and subsidies to assist low-income families in affording rent in the private market. This can help bridge the gap between income and housing costs.
4. What are the challenges you will face when making affordable housing policy decisions and how will you overcome those challenges?
The primary challenge in making affordable housing policy decisions is balancing the interests of various stakeholders, including residents, developers, and environmental advocates. Some communities may resist higher-density housing developments due to concerns about changes in neighborhood character or increased traffic.
To overcome these challenges, I will prioritize transparent and inclusive community engagement. By involving residents in the decision-making process and addressing their concerns through thoughtful planning and design, we can build consensus and support for affordable housing initiatives.
Another challenge is securing adequate funding for affordable housing projects. Local resources are limited. It will be essential to leverage state and federal funds, as well as private investments. I will work diligently to identify and apply for grants, advocate for increased state and federal funding, and explore innovative financing mechanisms.
Additionally, navigating the complex regulatory environment can pose challenges. To address this, I will advocate for streamlined permitting processes and regulatory reforms that reduce barriers to affordable housing development. This includes working with local and state agencies to identify and eliminate unnecessary red tape.
Lastly, addressing the root causes of housing instability, such as economic inequality and lack of access to healthcare, requires a holistic approach. I will work to integrate housing policies with broader social services, ensuring that individuals and families have the support they need to achieve and maintain stable housing.
By taking a collaborative, transparent, and multi-faceted approach, we can overcome these challenges and make meaningful progress in addressing the affordable housing crisis in Kitsap.
No questionnaire response returned.
1. Washington state has an affordable housing crisis. What do you believe contributes to this crisis and why?
a.Unequal distribution of Money in a capitalist system, but you already knew that. And greed. You knew that also.
b. I’m 90 years old and standing for an election for tbe 3rd time versus the chosen Dem. candidate, Charlotte Garridp and her choice Stacy Smith who runs the bearocratic heavy $80. giveaway program which only exacerbates the lack of housing.
c. Is there a happy retirement home for me, like the one my mother had 7 happy years 29 years ago in in Portland OR? No, not in Kitsap County. Does Bainbrikdge have one? I and my 80s friends are staying in our homes and will to death which only worsens the problem.
d. We are one speces, responsible for our one home planet. The young up to 35 should study biology outside and learn what they can eat. In their backpacks a sleeping bag. They can start south in November. Earn their expenses helping ffight the fire danger safely. Work their way back from Central America or Mexico starting in February/March.
2. Think about the office you will hold if elected. What is the role of that office in addressing the affordable housing crisis?
a. Don’t elect Stacy Smith for the obvious reasons. I wrote the other candidates here in the south: In order to change the the county all 6 of you have to be involved for tne next 4 years. We have to work together to change the county. I’m the only one so far that goes to the Commissioners’ meetings for the last 6 or 7 years. I’ll sue them probably. Soon.
3. How will you use your office to advance solutions that address our affordable housing crisis? Please be specific.
a. Read #2 above.
4. What are the challenges you will face when making affordable housing policy decisions and how will you overcome those challenges?
a. Re read #2 above. The DCD and other problem areas are not addressed. The newspapers haven’t come to meetings in years.
No questionnaire response returned.
1. Washington state has an affordable housing crisis. What do you believe contributes to this crisis and why?
According to the Kitsap County Affordable Housing Taskforce, Kitsap County is ranked second worst in the state of Washington for available housing to current population needs. According to the 2024 Kitsap Point in Time Count, the number of unhoused or housing insecure individuals is relatively the same as 2023, with a total of 600. The top contributing factor self-reported by unhoused individuals is a health issue (disability, illness, or mental health) and then economic issues (loss of a job, unable to work, eviction and housing affordability). A majority of these individuals are residents from Kitsap County (86%), had previous stable housing and call Kitsap home.
There are many factors that contribute to the affordable housing crisis we are experiencing today, including: the lack of housing units inventory, cost of building, lag in systems (such as permit processing and supply chain issues), high demand for housing due to strong workforce opportunities, and ability to relocate from higher cost areas to work remotely from home.
2. Think about the office you will hold if elected. What is the role of that office in addressing the affordable housing crisis?
The office I seek is one of three seats that comprise the Board of Kitsap County Commissioners representing South Kitsap, Gorst, and West Bremerton. The role of the commission is oversight and policy development to protect and promote the health, safety, and well-being of all County residents in an accessible, efficient, effective, and responsive manner.
As County Commissioner, I would use the knowledge I’ve attained as a volunteer Kitsap County Department of Community Development Planning Commissioner to establish strong connections with community members, advocates, and subject matter experts to leverage ideas and create solutions. In the 20 year Kitsap County Comprehensive Plan currently in process, Alternative 2 is recommended for increasing affordable housing inventory with designated unincorporated areas to expand alternative models such as duplexes, townhomes, multi-generational, and auxiliary dwelling units. I am in support of these ideas.
I would also propose utilizing creating innovative land use options, re-defining “affordable housing” to poverty levels versus median income or average home price, explore incentives to expand section 8 housing units in support of landlords accepting more vouchers, and identify public investments funding. Public investment dollars are currently available through the Kitsap County 1/10th 1% sales tax Housing & Homeless program, state investment portfolios have set aside for housing projects, and pursuing federal funding.
3. How will you use your office to advance solutions that address our affordable housing crisis? Please be specific.
I am committed to engaging with existing community residents, groups, and housing coalition organizations to better understand their ideas and explore solutions. I believe no one person or entity has the answers and we need to work together to address the multiple factors contributing to the housing crisis.
As stated in the answer above, I would also propose utilizing creating innovative land use options, re-defining “affordable housing” to poverty levels versus median income or average home price, exploring incentives to expand section 8 housing units in support of landlords accepting more vouchers, and identifying public investments funding.
Public investment dollars are currently available through the competitive Kitsap County 1/10th 1% sales tax Housing & Homeless program, state investment portfolios set aside for housing projects, and federal funding via the non-discretionary Department of Defense. These investments would allow us to build more alternative housing units for the growing needs of the civilian and active duty workforce throughout Kitsap County.
Federal public investment funds were used to build increased housing units in the 1970s, addressing the need to bring workforce to Kitsap County when Bangor base was under construction. The duplexes above Bremerton’s Lions Parks demonstrate this successful strategy. I believe we can solve the housing issue if we look to current available public investment options, as well as explore strategies from our past to fund affordable housing solutions. If given the opportunity to serve as Commissioner, I will make affordable housing solutions my top priority.
4. What are the challenges you will face when making affordable housing policy decisions and how will you overcome those challenges?
The biggest challenge facing affordable housing policy decisions is patience. Solving this crisis is a heavy lift that will take multiple partners coming together to agree on priority strategies and speaking as one voice to advocate for additional funding. This is an issue that will take time and focus as housing units are brought on-line to increase the inventory. It will take time to build enough new housing options to decrease the market demand, thus pausing or decreasing the rental costs and affordability of home purchases.
We also have limited buildable space in Kitsap, with critical areas that need to be protected. Responsible growth will be key. Understandably, longtime residents do not want the character of their neighborhoods altered unrecognizable, but we must find a balance to ensure everyone who wants to live here and calls Kitsap home can continue doing so. As County Commissioner, I will work to promote safe and thriving communities, while engaging and respecting local input in critical decision making.