Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Displacement Analysis topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City staff releases housing displacement analysis; planning commission asked to review before July housing chapter update
Summary
A consultant report assessing housing displacement and racial disparities was shared with Olympia planning staff; commissioners were asked to read the analysis and submit questions or comments ahead of the July 21 meeting, when staff will present an updated housing chapter incorporating consultant recommendations.
City planning staff told the Olympia Planning Commission on June 16 that a consultant‑prepared housing displacement analysis is available and will inform revisions to the draft housing chapter of Olympia 2045. Staff asked commissioners to review the report and provide questions or comments by early July so the next draft of the housing chapter can incorporate the consultant’s recommendations.
Casey Shoffler, associate planner, said the consultant evaluated existing and draft goals and policies against three criteria: whether they address economic displacement, racial disparities, and historical disenfranchisement. Shoffler explained that the consultant classified policies as "addressing," "approaching," or "challenging" relative to the goal of reducing displacement and inequity. "When I say challenging, in the context of, racial disparity and economic displacement," Shoffler said, "The consultant evaluated the goals and policies that are in our land use chapter and in our draft housing chapter, and they also reviewed our housing action plan."
Staff requested that commissioners submit comments by about July 9–10 to allow time for incorporation; Shoffler said the analysis will go next to the Social Justice and Equity Commission and to a City Council study session the following week. Shoffler told commissioners she expects the next housing chapter draft to differ significantly from the initial draft because it will reflect the consultant’s recommendations for addressing policies identified as "challenging."
During the meeting, Commissioner Zainab asked a technical question about single room occupancy (SRO) rules and whether recent code changes affect SRO development; Shoffler said she did not have the details available at the meeting and would follow up with a written response.
Why this matters: The consultant’s findings are intended to shape housing policies that try to reduce displacement and racial disparity; the commission’s input will influence how those recommendations are translated into the housing chapter and subsequent city action. Staff flagged that many of the proposed policy changes are still under development and that the commission will consider an updated draft on July 21.
Next steps: Review the consultant analysis and provide comments to Casey Shoffler by approximately July 9–10; expect the updated housing chapter to return to the commission on July 21. The analysis will also be discussed by the Social Justice and Equity Commission and at a City Council study session in the coming week.
