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Regional Housing Council warns ERP funding risks for Queen Street Village and Unity Commons; county to seek feedback
Summary
The Regional Housing Council drafted a response to mayors about potential ERP funding losses that could threaten Queen Street Village and Unity Commons; RHC proposed a four‑point approach including a draft letter, consideration of a $400,000 award from excess 2025 local revenue, and a request that Homeless Services Advisory Board recommend allocation of projected unallocated 2026 funds.
A Regional Housing Council (RHC) briefing to Thurston County commissioners on Feb. 4 flagged immediate risks to two local projects—Queen Street Village and Unity Commons—if current Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERP) funding levels change.
Commissioner Class summarized the RHC’s discussion and a drafted response letter to mayors and the RHC chair. He said the council identified the most immediate and substantial risks as potential loss of funding for Queen Street Village and Unity Commons and described a four-point proposed response: 1) send the drafted response letter to jurisdictions for feedback; 2) consider an RHC recommendation to award $400,000 from excess 2025 county local revenue to the City of Olympia to support operations at Queen Street Village (the RHC deferred making that decision until jurisdictions weigh in); 3) ask the Homeless Services Advisory Board to recommend allocation of a projected $450,000 of unallocated 2026 local revenue, with a preference for Queen Street and Unity Commons; and 4) request that the Thurston County Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention lead an effort to identify priority projects and activities for the homeless response system in consultation with local partners and lived‑experience leaders.
Commissioner Class and other board members said the RHC would first send the drafted letter and gather jurisdictional feedback before moving forward on funding recommendations. County staff noted Senator Bateman requested background information on funding components and that city managers from Lacey and Olympia should be engaged to help identify other at‑risk funding sources.
Commissioners emphasized the need to clarify dollar amounts for Queen Street Village and Unity Commons before finalizing the letter. The RHC cited the county’s current ERP annual funding level at “just a little over $5,500,000.” Staff and commissioners said they would continue coordination with jurisdictions and report back.
No formal county action was taken at the meeting; the RHC’s draft letter and proposed steps will be circulated to jurisdictions for input.
