Approve a Housing Initiative and Work Plan to improve the availability and affordability of housing countywide BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
LEWIS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
IN THE MATTER OF: RESOLUTION NO. 22-039
APPROVE A HOUSING INITIATIVE AND WORK
PLAN TO IMPROVE THE AVAILABILITY AND
AFFORDABILITY OF HOUSING COUNTYWIDE
WHEREAS, the Lewis County Strategic Plan, adopted in October 2020, identified
Housing and Proactive Growth as a priority, focusing on the availability and
affordability of rural- and urban-area housing and local government capacity and
tools to facilitate housing growth; and
WHEREAS, home prices in Lewis County have more than doubled since 2012,
drastically outstripping wage growth in that time, while homes available for sale
have plummeted in number; and
WHEREAS, rent has also increased faster than wage growth, such that the fair
market rent of a one-bedroom apartment now costs more per month than a two-
bedroom in 2012; and
WHEREAS, this lack of market-rate housing is coupled with a shortage of
subsidized housing and supportive services for low-income residents; and
WHEREAS, these challenges to the housing pipeline, by which community
members find affordable housing and step up into permanent housing as their
income improves, leave residents stuck waiting for suitable housing to be
available; and
WHEREAS, all of Lewis County, at all income levels and levels of need, in rural
and in urban areas, requires more housing options; and
WHEREAS, stable and affordable housing is an essential component of public
health, vibrant economic development, community cohesion, and the pursuit of
happiness; and
WHEREAS, a countywide housing initiative and work plan is needed to increase
coordination and efforts of all local governments and the community at large,
improve the availability and affordability of rural and urban housing, promote
infrastructure and services to increase affordable housing stock, and seek
meaningful improvement across all housing sectors.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Lewis County Housing Initiative,
attached hereto as Exhibit A, is adopted as an implementation of the Lewis
County Strategic Plan. County staff and departments are directed, and other
county offices are encouraged, to carry out this initiative for the health and
welfare of all county residents; and
Page 1 of 2 Res. 22-039
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Lewis County Housing
Initiative shall be implemented through a Housing Work Plan, attached hereto as
Exhibit B, consisting of concrete, specific actions to be carried out by county staff
in partnership with other local governments and community organizations. This
Work Plan shall be periodically updated to reflect county work being undertaken
to further the Housing Initiative and to improve lives and livelihoods in our
community; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED maintaining the Housing
Initiative and Work Plan shall be the responsibility of the County Manager and
such other county staff as he designates. The County Manager shall update the
Work Plan at least annually and the Initiative when prudent, and shall bring
periodic progress to the attention of this Board.
DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 15th day of February, 2022.
APPROVED AS TO FORM: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Jonathan Meyer, Prosecuting Attorney LEWIS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Eric Eisenberg Lindsey R. Pollock, DVM
By: Eric Eisenberg, Lindsey R. Pollock, DVM, Chair
Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
ATTEST: •'-°�74'r`'"�s,• Absent
Sean D. Swope, Vice Chair
45
%
's .c.oNs
Rieva Lester F. Lee Grose
Rieva Lester, F. Lee Grose, Commissioner
Clerk of the Lewis County Board of
County Commissioners
Page 2 of 2 Res. 22-039
Resolution 22-039 EXHIBIT A
LEWIS COUNTY HOUSING INITIATIVE February 2022
The Lewis County Strategic Plan, adopted in October 2020, identified "Housing and Proactive Growth"
as the second of five priorities.This priority focuses on filling two gaps:
1) The availability and affordability of housing in the rural and urban areas of the county, and
2) The lack of local government capacity and tools for facilitating housing growth.
Many communities experience this same problem, but the reasons for it and the solutions
necessary to respond effectively can vary greatly. It is essential to gain an understanding of the
problem from a local perspective and to craft outcomes that fit local needs. In addition, the needs
and solutions will change over time, and the County's strategy must continuously evolve.
In Lewis County, 70% of the housing stock is single family residential (SFR) and the average sale
price of a SFR dwelling increased from roughly $150,000 in 2012 to over $350,000 in 2021. The
remaining housing stock includes mobile homes (17%), multi-dwelling residential (13%) and other
(0.5%), which includes RV and boat. Income levels have also increased in Lewis County; however, the
median household income in 2019 was $58,911,which is considerably less than the state median
income of$78,687. In addition, 24% of the county's population has a very low or extreme low
income (<50% of Median Family Income).
Housing supply in Lewis County is also low. Between 2012 and 2021, there was a 69% decrease in
the supply of homes for sale. In June 2021, the county had only a 1 month supply of housing.
Typically, a region needs at least a 4 month supply to moderate housing cost increases. Rental unit
vacancy is also low at 4.5%.
Coupling income levels and housing availability, Lewis County residents are facing an increasing
household cost burden. The sales prices of SFR is increasing faster than local income levels. In
addition, rent has increased faster than wage growth such that the fair market rent of a one-
bedroom apartment now costs more per month than a two-bedroom did in 2012. Today, 48% of
renter households pay more than 30%their income on housing and 24% pay more than 50% on
housing costs. This all means Lewis County residents increasingly cannot afford housing.
For community members in Lewis County the important questions are:What types of housing do
you need and where should it be located? For the residential construction industry and community
lenders: What market and other local factors influence decisions about building in the urban and
rural areas of the county? For major employers and institutions:Where does your workforce live, and
is there an unmet need for housing? For the county's local governments:What approaches and tools
should be used to best meet the needs of the community and the residential construction industry
to make ensure sufficient and affordable housing options for all Lewis County residents?
Lewis County Housing Initiative Pg. 1 of 2
Resolution 22-039 EXHIBIT A
Lewis County Housing Objectives
Objective 1: Continuously learn from the community about their expectations and needs for housing.
Objective 2: Ensure that everyone has night-by-night shelter and a path to stable and safe housing.
Objective 3: Provide affordable housing options at all income levels.
Objective 4: Increase rural housing density near existing essential services including schools, medical
facilities, grocery stores and transit.
Objective 5: Provide public infrastructure improvements to growing rural town centers.
Objective 6: Encourage enhanced commercial services and employment opportunities within existing
rural town centers.
Objective 7: Partner with cities to coordinate housing efforts across Lewis County.
Success will be measured by tracking the following metrics:
1. Percent of multifamily residential, mobile homes and other non-single family residential
housing (SFR).
2. Gap between income level and rental housing cost.
3. Rental vacancy rate.
4. Housing sale price.
5. Supply of houses for sale.
6. Persons assisted into permanent housing.
The Housing Initiative is implemented by a 5-year Housing Work Plan. Progress made on the Work
Plan will be reported to the Board of County Commissioners annually in February. The Work Plan may
be updated as needed, provided the updated or new actions meet the objectives adopted by
resolution. Implementation of and updates to the Work Plan are the responsibility of the Lewis
County Housing Action Committee made up of:
• County Manager
• Director of Community Development
• Director of Public Health & Social Services
• Director of Public Works
• Budget Administrator, Budget Office
• Staff, as assigned
Lewis County Housing Initiative Pg. 2 of 2
Resolution 22-039 EXHIBIT B Ark*
LEWIS COUNTY HOUSING WORK PLAN February 2022
The Lewis County Housing Initiative is implemented through the Housing Work Plan. The Housing
Work Plan is a 5-year plan that is updated annually in February. The Housing Work Plan includes
housing-related programs, projects and processes that Lewis County departments are actively leading
or taking part in. Each project has a designated county lead. Some items are actually lead by an entity
that is not part of the county government. When that is the case, the description will specify the non-
county lead.
These actions are listed in chronological order based on completion date. Some items have a long
timeframe to completion but are currently underway. A progress report to the Board of County
Commissioners will be made on an annual basis in February.
Action Item A: Countywide Governmental Coordination
Create a forum of county leaders, city mayors and staff to coordinate each jurisdiction's housing plans
and leverage/combine efforts where possible.
County Lead: Board of County Commissioners/County Manager
Completion: On-going
Action Item B: Countywide Community Coordination
Create a forum in which housing issues can be discussed across disciplines and perspectives, to
highlight problems as they arise, propose and refine solutions or strategies for those problems, and
capture collective community knowledge over time. This forum could eventually be led by a
community member or organization, or an outside facilitator, if desirable.
County Lead: County Manager
Completion: On-going
Action Item C: Develop and Advance a State Legislative Agenda
Build a coalition of support for legal and policy changes that will advance the availability and
affordability of housing for low income rural residents in Lewis County. Partner with WSAC, AWC, and
other willing partners to further legislation. Ensure local governments' voices are heard in state and
federal policymaking that affects local housing and infrastructure.
County Lead: Board of County Commissioners/County Manager
Completion: Ongoing
Action Item D: Track Measures of Success
Develop and track progress on goals and milestones for improvement in the Initiative's metrics.
County Lead: Board of County Commissioners/County Manager
Completion: On-going
Lewis County Housing Work Plan Pg. 1 of 3
Resolution 22-039 EXHIBIT B
LFNIti(llltil l
Action Item E: Night-by-Night Shelter
Through a Request for Proposals and contract(s), obtain services of a night-by-night shelter at a
location that has access to other supportive services and a clear pipeline into the step-up facility or
facilities below.
County Lead: Public Health & Social Services
Completion: Issuance of RFPs by March 2022; services to begin Summer 2022
Action Item F: Step-up Facility or Facilities
Through Request(s) for Proposals and contract(s), develop transitional housing services by which
eligible participants, through coordinated entry, can step up from the night-by-night shelter into
stable, medium-term, service-rich housing designed to help them move into permanent housing.
County Lead: Public Health & Social Services
Completion: Issuance of RFPs by March 2022; services to begin Summer 2022
Action Item G: Promote Infrastructure to Support Residential Growth
Assess countywide infrastructure needs to support residential housing, commercial development, and
seek to construct or promote the construction of such infrastructure.
County Lead: Public Works
Completion: Assessment to be completed June 2022
Action Item H: Multi-Family Housing Proof of Concept
Create one or more rural multi-family housing concepts that are vetted to generally meet county and
state codes and rules. Create a Multi-Family Housing Concepts Notebook for use by developers to
aide in choosing multi-family housing types that may fit specific site conditions.
County Lead: Community Development/Housing Initiative staff
Completion: December 2022
Action Item I: Packwood Subarea Plan
Create and adopt a subarea plan for Packwood that establishes a 20-year vision, with supporting
goals and actions, and addresses a comprehensive set of issues including affordable housing, public
infrastructure and essential services.
County Lead: Community Development/Public Works
Completion: April 2023
Lewis County Housing Work Plan Pg. 2 of 3
Resolution 22-039 EXHIBIT B
Action J: Rural Character Update
Update the Land Use chapter of the Comprehensive Plan to take a form-based approach to rural
character. Where appropriate, change zoning to allow multi-family housing that fits the new
definition of rural character.
County Lead: Community Development
Completion: December 2023
Action Item K: Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update
Update the Lewis County Comprehensive Plan to meet the Housing Initiative objectives and address
affordable housing legislation.
County Lead: Community Development
Completion:June 2025
Action Item L: Packwood Sewer Project
Complete the design and construction of a waste water treatment system to protect the community
drinking water source, surface water, and the economic health of the community. The new waste
water system will support existing and new development in the Packwood community including new
affordable housing options and associated essential services such as employment, medical and
education to meet existing and future needs in Packwood.
County Lead: Public Works
Completion: December 2026
Lewis County Housing Work Plan Pg. 3 of 3
BOCC AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Resolution: 22-039 BOCC Meeting Date: Feb. 15, 2022
Suggested Wording for Agenda Item: Agenda Type: Deliberation
Approve a Housing Initiative and Work Plan to improve the availability and affordability of housing
countywide
Contact: Eric Eisenberg Phone: 3607401241
Department: CM - County Manager (including Budget)
Description:
This resolution adopts a Housing Initiative and Housing Work Plan to implement the 2020 Strategic
Plan's directive to increase the availability and affordability of housing in Lewis County. The
Initiative sets forth objectives and metrics for success, and the Work Plan lists concrete, specific
actions by which County staff will further those objectives and improve those metrics. Maintaining
the Initiative and Work Plan will be the responsibility of the County Manager and involve
coordination of multiple county offices and departments. The Work Plan will be updated at least
annually, and the Initiative when prudent, to reflect progress.
Approvals: Publication Requirements:
Publications:
User Status
PA's Office Approved
Additional Copies: Cover Letter To:
Erik Martin, Becky Butler, JP Anderson, Meja
Handlen, Justia Madrigal, Lee Napier, Mindy
Brooks, Josh Metcalf, Dianne Dorey, Austin
Majors