Each session the legislature works closely with local communities and businesses to address the gaps in supply and access to affordable housing. Although there is a tremendous need in all of our communities, there is recognition that the reality requires a long term investment in flexible laws, supportive services such as mental health treatment and family support, jobs training and more. This crisis has been a growing problem for many years, but it is a priority both inside government and in our communities.
Although our community has stepped up to help address the need for affordable housing better than many, the need for state action and partnership continues. Some of the ways the state acted to support affordable housing this session include:
- HB 1892 – to create a Workforce Housing Accelerator Program.
- HB 1998 – paves the way for co-living housing a flexible and efficient housing model that addresses numerous pressing issues.
- HB 2321 – revisits the middle housing bill from last session and makes technical changes that clarify requirements in the bill.