Federal Way council authorizes talks with Wayside United Church to explore for-sale affordable housing
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Summary
Council unanimously authorized staff to negotiate a development agreement with Wayside United Church of Christ to explore building for‑sale affordable housing on church land; councilmember who pulled the item said the city must create pathways for homeownership below current entry prices.
The Federal Way City Council unanimously approved a motion on Nov. 18 to begin negotiations on a development agreement with Wayside United Church of Christ to explore on‑site, for‑sale affordable housing.
Councilmember Casper Adubie (speaker 10) pulled the consent agenda item to explain the goal is to create ownership opportunities priced below the current local entry price he cited — "less than the going rate today of $600,000" — and to use church land to support models that can produce homes for purchase rather than rental. He described the move as an early step in a yearlong effort to reform zoning and increase housing density where appropriate.
"This is just the exploration of how we get it done," Adubie said; he moved to begin negotiations and a council colleague seconded the motion. The council approved the motion unanimously.
City staff and planning officials will now begin drafting and negotiating a development agreement with the church to define scope, affordability terms and next steps. Council members stressed this action is a first step, not final approval of any project, and that additional permitting, environmental review and council votes would be required before construction could proceed.
The item was described as exploratory; staff will return with more detailed proposals, potential financing pathways and timelines for further council consideration.
