Steering committee authorizes task force to explore countywide homeownership goal
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Summary
The steering committee voted 8–2 on Feb. 11 to create a task force to draft countywide policy language recommending a target for housing available for ownership; supporters framed it as a discussion step, opponents warned of timing and unintended consequences for allocations.
The Steering Committee of Elected Officials on Feb. 11 authorized a task force to draft recommended countywide planning policy language setting a target for homeownership availability.
Commissioner French introduced the proposal, asking the committee to “authorize the creation of a task force to come back with recommended policy language” that would identify a target (he suggested 70 percent as an initial benchmark). He said the aim is to create more opportunities for homeownership and address long‑term disparities in ownership rates.
Supporters said the task force would be a limited, deliberative step. Council member Kearns said standing up a working group would allow a cross‑section of stakeholders to evaluate options and return language for committee consideration. Commissioner French and other backers emphasized the proposal would not immediately change countywide planning policy but would produce recommendations the committee could accept, modify or reject.
Opponents raised process and timing concerns. Council member Klitzke and others argued that a countywide ownership target may be better handled at the jurisdictional level and warned of possible unintended consequences — for example, constraining housing types or complicating current allocation work tied to the county’s comprehensive plan update. Several members asked that the task force’s work not delay the county EIS and plan update.
The chair called for a roll call; staff reported 8 ayes and 2 nos and the motion carried. The committee requested that Scott (county planning staff) and Commissioner French ensure the task force includes a cross section of jurisdictions and stakeholders and that the group return recommended language for steering committee consideration.
Next steps: staff will accept volunteers for the task force and coordinate a first meeting; committee members said any final policy change would follow normal public review and the countywide planning policy process.