Mayor Brown Announces Proposals to Jumpstart New Affordable Housing Development

Mayor Lisa Brown proposed a legislative package designed to accelerate affordable housing development in Spokane, in line with the H. O. M. E. Starts Here Plan.

The plan sets a target of 22,359 new housing units by 2046, addressing the urgent need for affordable options. Among the proposals is a permit fee deferral program allowing developers to postpone up to $150,000 in fees for income-restricted housing projects. The HEART Fund will be renamed to the Housing Equity and Attainable Residences Trust Fund to better reflect its mission. Additionally, the City will update its unified development code to improve clarity and efficiency in the permitting process. Mayor Brown noted that these initiatives are crucial for increasing the supply of affordable housing amid rising costs.

The proposed measures also aim to enhance coordination with state funding opportunities. Overall, the legislative package represents a significant step toward addressing housing stability in Spokane.