The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners approved submission of a 2025–2030 homeless housing plan to the Washington Department of Commerce but debated whether the county should add language affirming compliance with federal housing guidelines.

During public comment, a member of the public asked whether the document being adopted included a sentence referencing the statewide strategic plan developed by the Department of Commerce and consistency with federal housing funding guidelines. Health and Human Services staff member Gina said, "We did not add a line in about complying with the federal standards…Our requirement is to be in compliance with the state guidelines and then adding our local priorities. If the board would like to add a statement in, we could, we could do that." (Gina)

Commissioner (S3) argued the board should add language that the plan will comply with federal guidelines, saying in part that "these resources need to go to citizens first, and people who are citizens of our country." Another commissioner (S6) expressed agreement. A different commenter (S4) warned that state leaders were "fudging the plans," framing the discussion as one about whether the county should be explicit about federal alignment.

Chair (S1) clarified that the board was adopting the version prepared by staff and that the Department of Commerce could review and change the plan when it is submitted. Gina confirmed staff could add stronger language at the board’s direction.

The board proceeded to approve the consent agenda, which included the homeless plan for transmittal, with a voice vote.

What happens next: The adopted version will be sent to the Washington Department of Commerce for its review and final approval; staff told commissioners they could add a statement about federal compliance before submittal if the board directs it.