County Council commits to regional housing coalition

Pierce County is now set to be a part of the South Sound Housing Affordability Partners, a regional coalition to support the creation of more affordable housing in members communities. At its Aug. 24 meeting, the council unanimously passed Proposal No. R2021-132, authorizing the county executive to execute an interlocal agreement for the establishment of said coalition.

South Sound Housing Affordability Partners evolved out of a roundtable started in 2018 by Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards, Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier and then-County Councilmember Connie Ladenburg. The group conducted a series of meetings on local housing affordability data and needs, individual jurisdiction needs and housing types, incentives needed for developers to build affordable housing and discussions on what tools other jurisdictions have used.

The total costs of the coalition is budgeted at just over $300,000, which will be funded by all members.

“These folks who have been coming together month after month after month very faithfully see the power of coming together to make a difference on affordable housing,” Councilmember Ryan Mello said.

In other business, the council unanimously passed an emergency ordinance amending the biennial budget for the fiscal years 2020-21 per federal American Rescue Plan Act funds and expenditures for summer youth programs having exceeded the amount budgeted and the construction of the Mustard Seed senior housing project on the Key Peninsula that is in jeopardy of not going forward in that it may not be eligible for ARPA funds. Resolution No. R2021-85 intends to assure both projects are funded.

The council approved a resolution setting the date for the District 4 in-district meeting for 6 p.m. on Sept. 8 at the University Place City Hall Council Chambers, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 200. Per the county charter, each district is required to hold one in-district County Council meeting annually.
The council passed two resolutions, one recognizing Judge Judy Rae Jasprica for her 30 years of service and commitment to Pierce County and the other proclaiming Aug. 31, 2021, as “Overdose Awareness Day” in Pierce County.