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Resident pitches tiny‑home public–private partnership on county land; commissioners express caution
Summary
During public comment a resident proposed a public–private partnership to build tiny homes on roughly 4.5 acres at the fairgrounds. Commissioners welcomed dialogue but raised concerns about long leases, potential for deterioration and county competition with private rental market. Staff agreed to follow up.
A member of the public asked the Cowlitz County commissioners on March 25 to consider a public–private partnership to build a tiny‑home neighborhood on roughly 4.5 acres at the end of the county fairgrounds.
The resident, who asked the board to accept a formal proposal and workshop, described a plan for a land lease of about 40 years, private financing and construction of a model tiny‑home community at about "10 units per acre" with a 4,400‑square‑foot common area. The speaker said the project would be financed privately, the developer would “give it fully back to the county” at the end of the note and rents would be limited by cost rather than market rates.
Commissioners and audience members asked practical questions and raised concerns. One commissioner cautioned that similar temporary housing projects can deteriorate without strict rules, citing local RV‑park examples and asking for strong guidelines. Another commissioner said a 40‑year lease could bind future boards and suggested the county consider selling unused land instead of entering long leases or operating rental housing. A member of staff, Kelly, agreed to coordinate follow‑up if the resident submits a formal outline.
The resident said a local credit union has expressed interest in financing the project and that they would pursue drafting a formal outline and return to the board; Kelly indicated staff would be the point of contact.
No formal motion or vote was recorded on the proposal; the exchange occurred during the public‑comment portion of the meeting.
