Bill > HB1687

This bill expands the definition and scope of housing authorities in Washington state to explicitly include social housing public development authorities (SHPDAs). The legislation defines social housing as publicly owned rental housing available to households of all income levels, including low, moderate, and high-income residents, with rents cross-subsidized so that higher-income tenants help support lower rental rates for low-income households. The bill amends several existing laws to allow state and local public bodies to provide various forms of support to these new social housing authorities, such as dedicating property, providing financial assistance, creating infrastructure, entering into agreements, and offering tax considerations. Key definitions are added to clarify terms like "cross-subsidized," "high-income household" (120% of median income), "low-income household" (80% or below median income), and "moderate-income household" (between 80-120% of median income). The legislation aims to address housing affordability by creating a new mechanism for developing housing that can serve a broad range of income levels while maintaining public ownership, with the explicit goal of providing safe, sanitary, and affordable housing options for communities.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1687&Year=2025&Initiative=false