Mayor Brown Announces Proposals to Jumpstart New Affordable Housing Development

Mayor Lisa Brown announced a legislative package on July 7, 2025, to stimulate affordable housing development in Spokane, consistent with the H. O. M. E. Starts Here Plan.

The initiative includes the establishment of the Housing Equity and Attainable Residences Trust (HEART) Fund, aimed at achieving a target of 22,359 new housing units by 2046. The fund will be renamed to better reflect its mission and will provide greater flexibility in funding for construction projects. Additionally, the proposal introduces a permit fee deferral program, allowing developers to defer up to $150,000 in fees for income-restricted units, thereby alleviating financial burdens. Spokane will also modernize its unified development code to streamline the permitting process and reduce development costs. This update will ensure that the code reflects current policies and best practices.

Mayor Brown noted the critical need for affordable housing units at all income levels in Spokane. The legislative package aims to remove barriers that hinder affordable housing development.