Planning commission opens public hearing on 2025–2029 Tri-Cities fair housing assessment; commissioners offer detailed recommendations

The Pasco Planning Commission opened a public hearing on the Tri Cities 2025–2029 Assessment of Fair Housing, heard a staff presentation on identified barriers and proposed actions, and received detailed commissioner feedback before unanimously closing the hearing.

“By identifying these disproportionate obstacles, the consortium can develop more targeted and effective policies to promote inclusive, equitable housing opportunity throughout the Tri Cities,” Sharon, city staff presenting the assessment, told the commission. The Tri Cities Home Consortium includes the cities of Pasco, Kennewick and Richland and coordinates a five-year fair-housing assessment that informs the consolidated plan and community-development priorities.

Sharon summarized key barriers in the report: limited supply of affordable housing, shortages of accessible units for seniors and people with disabilities, limited awareness of fair-housing rights, language…