House approves density bonus allowing faith organizations to partner on affordable housing
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Summary
The House passed a bill creating a density bonus to help faith-based organizations partner with developers to build affordable housing; sponsors framed the change as a practical way to unlock land near transit and schools, and the bill passed 94-1.
The Washington State House on Friday passed Second Substitute House Bill 18-59, which provides a density bonus to allow faith-based organizations to partner with developers to build long-term affordable housing. The bill passed on final passage by a roll-call vote of 94 yeas, 1 nay and 3 excused.
Representative Howard Dean, sponsor on the floor, said congregations often hold land near transit and schools but lack the financial math to build affordable units. “This bill is a surgical approach to unlock housing on land owned by willing partners, our faith organizations,” he said, arguing the measure could convert underused land into affordable homes.
Cosponsors and supporters, including Representative Orcutt and Representative Poe, said greater density lowers per-unit costs and can attract projects that otherwise wouldn’t pencil out. Opponents were scarce on the floor; the final tally recorded overwhelming support.
Next steps: The bill was declared passed and will proceed to enrollment and the next steps toward enactment.