Kenmore committee hears provider advice on planning permanent supportive housing; costs, operations highlighted

Kenmore’s Housing Advisory Committee on June 1 heard detailed, practical guidance from nonprofit providers and county staff on how a small city can prepare for permanent supportive housing (PSH) projects.

The panel — including Tina Allison, director of housing and housing services at Compass Housing Alliance; William Towey, executive director of Lake City Partners; and Sunari Marshall, division director for housing and community development at King County — told the committee that clear city signaling, streamlined permitting and early community engagement are critical to successful PSH siting and operation.

“Being able to communicate and meet with providers … and understanding what their needs might be” helps projects move forward, Sunari Marshall said. Marshall added that regional partnerships and tax-credit flows support capital financing but that “any city that is interested in setting aside their own pool” for operations or capital is “incredibly welcome.”

Why it matters: Panelists stressed that PSH is housing and that planning choices made now determine whether Kenmore can both site and sustain projects. They warned that capital funding is only half the work: ongoing operating subsidies, appropriate site selection, staffing and insurance affect whether a project remains viable.

Key takeaways

- Signal local support and reduce procedural friction: Providers urged Kenmore to identify a single permitting liaison, coordinate across public works, transportation and utilities, and clarify siting and…