Bill > SB5753

This bill establishes a public housing task force to address Washington state's severe housing shortage and affordability crisis. The task force will be composed of 18 members, including legislators, government officials, representatives from housing commissions, ethnic commissions, and individuals with direct experience in housing instability. The group will investigate strategies for developing publicly owned, mixed-income housing, including exploring alternative funding mechanisms, reviewing public land inventories, and examining potential structural governance changes. By July 1, 2026, the task force must submit a preliminary report, with a final report due by November 1, 2026, that provides recommendations on restructuring public housing development to improve affordability across income levels, especially for homeless individuals and those at or below 200% of the area median income. The task force will also focus on creating comprehensive, livable communities that include essential amenities like childcare spaces, healthcare facilities, transit access, and small business spaces. The legislature recognizes the current housing crisis, driven by factors like speculative investment and insufficient affordable housing supply, and intends to restore public housing as a core government function. The task force is set to expire on June 30, 2027, and will be administered by the Department of Commerce, which will provide staff support and help determine necessary subcommittees.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5753&Year=2025&Initiative=false