There are solutions to increase supply of affordable housing

Published 1:30 am Sunday, May 7, 2023

Recent articles on affordable housing in our area fail to address solutions to the problem. It exists because low-cost inventory is not available and demand remains high. Costs have exploded higher, compounding the problem. Recent legislation increasing existing home density will help but leaves much more to be done. Here’s what should be done to provide timely relief:

Increase zoning for low-cost housing; multi family, mobile home and RV communities. Presently there is no land available in our area for new mobile home communities which are ideal for affordable housing. If you were to double the number of our existing units it would be a great start to solving the problem.

Lowering unit costs; smaller size units with no frills and shared common areas can significantly reduce costs. Also, pursue less costly locations and encourage gifting. A successful program could have a positive effect on the homeless issue.

Residential property owners are now paying extremely high real estate taxes, reducing investment value. Lower real estate property taxes and expanding the tax base would help to attract and retain investors.

Correct excessive landlord regulations to retain existing landlords and their rentals. Right now it is a disaster and must be addressed sooner rather than later to keep landlords.

It would also be helpful to reduce or eliminate development construction fees some of which can add up to $56,000 for one single-family home and reduce approval times on new projects which can be years.

Most affordable housing being built today are directly and/or indirectly subsidized by government(s) and are very expensive and increases the tax burden. If we are to retain investment in our state housing we must control costs and become more competitive.

Right now, the problem is a mess and the worst I have seen it over the past 70 years. It’s time for change.

Hank Robinett

Snohomish