Affordable Housing—GMA requires that local jurisdictions in their comprehensive plan’s plan for the “provision of affordable housing for all economic segments of the community” and that each jurisdiction take it’s fair share. See RCW 36.70A.070(2) and WAC §365-195-310.
Affordable Housing Advisory Board—Washington State Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB) advises the Department of Commerce on housing and housing-related issues. AHAB has 22 members representing a variety of interests related to affordable housing. Nineteen are appointed by the Governor for four-year terms.
RCW 43.185B.040 requires the Washington Department of Commerce and the AHAB to prepare and update a five-year housing advisory plan. The purpose of the plan is to:
- document the need for affordable housing in the state.
- examine the extent to which that need is met through public and private sector programs.
- facilitate planning to meet state affordable housing needs.
- enable the development of strategies and programs for affordable housing.