Resources

The Coalition for More Housing Choices has compiled resources related to new state laws and existing tools designed to help local governments facilitate more housing of all types for current residents, newcomers and future generations. Planning for housing is a key part of the local comprehensive plan update process currently underway in the Puget Sound region. As local jurisdictions work to implement these plans, they will next need to update their local codes, such as land use and development regulations, to facilitate more housing and make it more attainable to more people.

Duplex photo courtesy Sightline Institute Modest Middle Homes Library, CC by 4.0.

Resources on Housing Availability

Department of Commerce:

  • Growth Management Act Periodic Update

    This page includes relevant checklists, guidance documents and other GMA related support materials designed to help local governments with their required updates to comprehensive plan and development regulations.

  • Middle Housing in Washington

    This page shares definitions, guidelines, model ordinances, and technical support materials for local governments in Washington pursuing middle housing as a part of their comprehensive planning and local regulations.

  • Guidance for Accessory Dwelling Units in Washington State

    This page shares definitions, guidelines, model ordinances, and technical support materials for local governments in Washington pursuing middle housing as a part of their comprehensive planning and local regulations.  

  • Updating GMA Housing Elements

    This webpage contains guidance on planning for housing under the Growth Management Act (GMA), including the new requirements established by House Bill 1220 (2021).

  • Housing Trust Fund

    Washington State’s Housing Trust Fund provides capital financing through loans or grants to affordable housing projects through annual competitive application cycles. Visit this page to learn more about the program and how to apply.

The Municipal Research and Services Center (MSRC):

  • Streamlining Local Permit Review Procedures

    This page provides an overview of the legal requirements for project review and examples of permit review procedures as well as examples of streamlined processes.

  • Missing Middle Housing

    This page provides an overview of housing types that are considered part of the "Missing Middle Housing" in Washington State, including descriptions and examples of local codes defining and regulating each housing type.

  • Affordable Housing Techniques and Incentives

    This page provides a broad overview of techniques and incentives available to local governments in Washington State to encourage the construction of new affordable housing.

Washington State Housing Finance Commission:

  • Covenant Homeownership Program

    Learn more about implementation of the Covenant Homeownership Act, landmark legislation making Washington the first state to face and address the role of government institutions in housing-related racial discrimination.

National Fair Housing Alliance:

  • Washington State’s Covenant Homeownership Act Program

    The Covenant Homeownership Act authorizes a new study that is a key implementation step under the new law. The study findings will help determine who will be eligible for assistance and establish the framework for creation of a Special Purpose Credit Program under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Updates, opportunities for input, and findings from this study will be posted to this page.

Coalition Updates

Featured Coalition Member Resources:

  • Passport to 2044: Comprehensive Plan Workshop Series

    The Puget Sound Regional Council hosted 14 online workshops to support the comprehensive periodic plan updates. These events were produced in collaboration with the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC), and many other partners across the state.

  • Affordable Housing Toolkit: A Guide for Cities, Counties, and Advocates in Washington State January 31, 2023.

    This toolkit was developed through a partnership between the Housing Development Consortium of Seattle-King County and Urban Land Institute Northwest, and made possible with the generous support of our sponsor, Union Bank.

  • MBAKS Housing Toolkit: Local Planning Measures for Creating More Housing Choices

    This toolkit, prepared by Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties with input from LDC, Inc., is intended to serve as a useful guide for local governments. It lists specific code updates and process improvements jurisdictions can take to help provide more diverse, more affordable housing for our growing population.

  • AARP Re-Legalizing Middle Housing | A model Act and Guide to Statewide Legislation

    Created for state and local leaders by: AARP Government Affairs and EcoNorthwest, this resource provides options for state and local governments to create and enact effective, customized, Middle Housing legislation that works. 

Increasing Black Homeownership

In 2021, the Coalition for More Housing Choices convened a network of associations and organizations in support of the effort to create a 7-Point Plan for Increasing Black Homeownership in the Puget Sound region. Learn more about the 2021 effort here and here.

Today, the Black Home Initiative is working to implement this plan, and the Coalition is proud to be a Community Partner in this work.

Resources:

Additional Coalition Member Resources

DID YOU KNOW?

In 2017, more than 19 million older adults were living in housing that didn’t provide them with the best opportunity to live independently. Only about 1% of the nation’s present housing is equipped to meet their needs. Learn more.

Source: AARP. “Making Room: Housing for a Changing America,” 2019.

Other Housing Resources