Anacortes Council approves support letters for ABLE Housing Initiative and Olsen Building project

The Anacortes City Council took significant steps towards enhancing local housing initiatives during their meeting on April 14, 2025, approving two letters of support aimed at securing funding for critical housing projects.

The council unanimously endorsed a letter supporting the Anacortes ABLE Housing Initiative, which seeks state funding to provide housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This initiative addresses a pressing community need, as many caregivers are aging and unable to continue supporting these individuals. Council members highlighted the urgency of this issue, referencing a 2022 report that identified this population as vulnerable and in need of assistance. The letter aims to bolster the initiative's chances of receiving funding from the Housing Trust Fund through the Washington State Department of Commerce.

In addition to the ABLE Housing Initiative, the council also approved a letter of support for the Anacortes Housing Authority's Olson Building project. This project is set to benefit from a new funding source made available by Skagit County, which has allocated $3 million for housing projects. The Olson Building, located at the corner of Third and Commercial, is part of a broader affordable housing effort approved by voters in 2020. Although the project has faced delays and increased costs due to inflation and the pandemic, it promises to provide a substantial number of housing units, potentially matching the output of two previously completed projects.

Both letters of support reflect the council's commitment to addressing housing challenges in Anacortes and demonstrate a proactive approach to securing necessary funding. As these initiatives move forward, they are expected to significantly impact the community by providing essential housing solutions for vulnerable populations. The council's actions signal a strong dedication to improving the quality of life for residents and ensuring that housing needs are met in a timely manner.