Mayor Brown Announces Proposals to Jumpstart New Affordable Housing Development

Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown announced a comprehensive legislative package to accelerate affordable housing development, aligning with the H. O. M. E. Starts Here Plan.

The package includes proposals to establish the Housing Equity and Attainable Residences Trust (HEART) Fund and introduce a permit fee deferral program that allows developers to defer up to $150,000 in fees. This initiative aims to ease financial burdens on developers building income-restricted units and stimulate housing production. Furthermore, the city plans to modernize its development code to improve clarity and efficiency, ensuring regulations reflect current policies and best practices. Mayor Brown emphasized the urgency of increasing affordable housing units, stating, "Spokane needs more housing units at all levels, but especially affordable units. " The proposals also aim to streamline the permitting process, reducing uncertainty and costs for developers.

Spokane's target is to add 22,359 new housing units by 2046, addressing the pressing need for affordable housing. These actions highlight the city's commitment to tackling housing challenges and supporting community growth.