The Longview City Council on July 22 approved Resolution 25-69 to submit the city’s 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan and the 2025 Annual Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The five-year Consolidated Plan, submitted every five years to HUD alongside an annual action plan, keeps Longview’s stated goals unchanged: increase the supply of affordable housing, preserve and improve existing housing, provide services that improve housing and economic outcomes, and fund public facilities and improvements. City staff recommended approval to preserve continuity with HUD and because projects listed in the annual action plan were already approved by the council in April.

City staff presented the plan and summarized recent progress. Between Longview and neighboring Kelso, staff reported development or funding commitments for roughly 72 units of new affordable housing and additional projects: a 40-unit complex (Catlin and Maine), Foundation for the Challenge group homes (three units under construction and five more planned across Longview and Kelso), and Soundview Apartments repairs including window replacements and roof work for 24 or 40 units (transcript lists both figures in context). Staff also described homeowner-rehab work serving 10 families, tenant education classes, Parks & Recreation summer-childcare programming that served 122 children, food bank assistance during 2020 serving 171 families, and tenant-based rental assistance performed through Community House and Housing Opportunities Southwest Washington.

The staff analysis summarized community needs and trends cited in the plan: an estimated population increase of about 8,000 people in the Longview–Kelso area by 2050 requiring roughly 3,300 housing units (including 1,900 supportive-housing units, per the Department of Commerce figures cited in the presentation); growth in residents age 55 and over; increases in poverty among people 18–34; declining regular school attendance and increased numbers of homeless students; 68% of housing stock as single-family homes; median home prices up roughly $99,000 since 2020; and persistent cost burden for many households (households paying more than 30% of income for housing and severe cost burden for some paying over 50%, notably low-income and elderly households). Staff also presented labor-force statistics and noted education, health care and social assistance, manufacturing, and retail among leading industries.

During the public hearing portion of the meeting, members of the public asked whether Hope Village and other shelter/transitional housing efforts were included; staff said the revised draft uploaded earlier the same day now lists Hope Village under shelter. A public commenter asked how consolidated-plan projects relate to the city’s broader homelessness response and whether additional city funding would be required; the commenter said some council members oppose further spending on homelessness and requested clearer accounting of past and future expenditures. City staff and council members noted the consolidated plan focuses on HUD-funded activities and projects already approved for funding, while other homelessness programs and budget decisions remain separate and may be addressed by other committees or future council action.

A motion to approve Resolution 25-69 was moved and seconded during the hearing and carried without recorded opposition. (Record of mover/second not specified in the transcript.)

The council vote authorizes city staff to submit the 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan and the 2025 Annual Action Plan to HUD, maintaining the planning goals and the projects listed in the annual action plan.

Staff indicated continued work is needed to implement remaining goals and that the city will continue coordination with partner organizations and regional entities as projects move forward.