Plan to raise cap on property tax growth collapses in WA Legislature
Democratic state lawmakers dropped their bid Monday to repeal a voter-approved limit on property tax growth in Washington, excising one of the most controversial revenue-raising ideas they’ve pursued in this year’s legislative session. The proposal, embedded in House Bill 2049, sought to allow an increase in the growth factor from the current 1% cap to as much […]
Public input sought on affordable housing and community development needs
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—People are invited to provide input on the most important needs for low- and moderate-income county residents and neighborhoods. The Snohomish County Human Services Department is hosting the hearing on November 19 in Smokey Point. Input received will be used to help develop the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan that guides the use of federal funds […]
Bothell Mayor and council receive thousands in contributions from Pastor prior to land vote
BOTHELL—On July 16, the City of Bothell entered a Letter of Intent with the Bothell United Methodist Church (BUMC) to gift the church, at no cost, a city-owned plot of land worth $6 million to be used for affordable housing and a community space. But conflict-of-interest concerns have since been raised involving one of BUMC’s […]
City of Snohomish just added a $20,000 per unit fee to affordable housing
SNOHOMISH—The City of Snohomish has decided to increase the cost of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) by requiring separate sewer and water connections which can add an additional $20,000 to $40,000 to the construction cost of the ADU. Since the passage of House Bill 1337 (HB 1337) in 2023, cities over 20,000 in population, have been required to […]
Here’s a look at Bothell’s upcoming affordable housing unit and community space
BOTHELL—Bothell United Methodist Church is planning to build a new affordable housing complex and community space in downtown Bothell, right across the street from McMenamin’s Anderson School and Pop Keeny Stadium. The building will span around 240,000 square feet, be six stories tall, and have 200 units of housing – meaning tenants are expected to […]
City of Bothell to gift $6 million property to church for low-income housing
BOTHELL, Wash.—The Bothell City Council voted in favor of executing a Letter of Intent (LOI) to gift a city-owned property (Lot P South) to Bothell United Methodist Church (BUMC) which, if acquired, will be used to build affordable housing the church says. The 5-2 decision took place at Council’s Regular Meeting on Tuesday, July 16, […]
Op-Ed: Why are people leaving California and could it happen here in Washington?
Demographia has just published a study, authored by Wendell Cox, that compares the affordability of housing in the international marketplace. The conclusions show that while Washington State isn’t the most expensive, it is on its way to the top spot. What’s sad is it’s all avoidable with some simple changes to state policy. Currently Seattle […]
Snohomish County unsheltered count decreased from 2023 by 9.6 percent
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., May 20, 2024 —Snohomish County Human Services has released the Annual Point-in-Time (PIT) unsheltered count, designed to provide a snapshot of households experiencing homelessness on a single night. This survey was supported by the efforts of 274 volunteers, County personnel, and partnering agency staff. The 2024 count identified 1,161 people in 945 households […]
Murray, Cantwell, Larsen, DelBene secure $19 million to construct new family-style military homes
WASHINGTON, D.C.—With passage of the $467.5 billion spending package on Friday, March 8 that avoids a shutdown by funding portions of the federal government until September 30, Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), along with Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Rick Larsen (WA-02), secured $19 million for the construction of 88 family-style homes […]
Council heard from parties of proposed Garden Senior Village construction
LYNNWOOD—Lynnwood City Council updated its Council Rules relating to remote public comments, approved the 2024 Finance Committee meeting schedule, unanimously agreed to $45,000 in incentives for camp counselor and lifeguard positions, and held a public hearing on a proposed development agreement with Garden Senior Village at its Business Meeting on February 12. Public Hearing: Garden […]
