Tumwater report finds economic displacement highest local risk; staff to correct consultant figures before finalizing housing element

City of Tumwater planning staff on July 22 presented a housing displacement analysis prepared for the region by Uncommon Bridges and BHC Consultants that concluded economic displacement poses the most significant risk for Tumwater and recommended actions focused on preserving existing affordable stock and reducing barriers to new affordable units.

Erica (presenter) reviewed definitions used in the study—physical, economic and cultural displacement—and said consultants combined national literature, Department of Commerce tools, TRPC data, census inputs and local outreach (including a 167‑response regional survey and four roundtables) to assess who is at risk and what policies could reduce that risk. Erica summarized consultants’ top recommendations for Tumwater: establish a community land trust option for manufactured‑home parks, support mobile‑home ownership and preservation, and streamline permitting and preapproved plans…