ULCT supports reorganization of state housing programs, opposes 'preferred land use' bill as drafted
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Summary
League staff recommended supporting HB 68 (housing agency reorganization and use of public land) with amendments, and to oppose HB 184 as drafted because its 'preferred land use' framework would automatically approve many ADU/starter‑home applications unless cities make written findings to deny within 30 days.
League staff presented an update on housing and land‑use bills and recommended different stances for two major packages pending in the Legislature.
On House Bill 68 — the administration and reorganization of housing programs — staff recommended support with amendments. The measure would restructure state housing programs, end the CHA (as described in the draft) and create clearer paths for using publicly owned land for affordable housing in coordination with local authorities. Staff said negotiations were underway on specific language and that sponsors were working on substitutes to address city concerns.
By contrast, staff recommended opposing House Bill 184 as drafted. HB 184 would establish a new category called 'preferred land use regulation' that, for qualified proposals (for example, a defined 'starter home' and a set of ADU types), would default to approval if a city did not act within 30 days; to deny such an application a city would need to make findings on the record. Staff and advisory groups reported broad and repeated concern across LPC meetings — from staff and elected officials — that the bill would undercut local legislative authority, create litigation risk and raise unanswered questions about standards of review and implementation.
Staff said they will continue negotiations with bill sponsors and will circulate proposed amendments as language becomes available. Members were asked to review the drafts when circulated and to provide local examples for an informational handout for legislators about ongoing local housing projects and infrastructure needs.
