https://www.facebook.com/122126248646301891/posts/122156005382301891
Christina Elliott (D-Oak Harbor), candidate for Island County Commissioner, District 2, posted this on her Facebook page on .
Let’s talk policy this week… today, I’ll cover housing.
I will work to increase affordable housing options by supporting the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and promoting sustainable, smart growth in designated urban growth areas to preserve our rural character and provide equitable access + transportation to resources and jobs.
My Proposed Solutions:
1. ADUs: Advocate for policies that make it easier to build these as a mid-term solution to our housing shortage; utilize pre-made plans for homeowners to add an income source to their property in less time while incentivizing these same homeowners to offer an ADU to local workers. Look critically at the restrictions on ADUs in the context of 2025 and beyond (ex: attached ADUs are not the best option for many interested in building one).
2. Urban Density: Collaborate with cities in designated urban growth areas to concentrate new housing developments there instead of allowing cities to sprawl. This will help maintain the rural character of Island County while providing better access to infrastructure and jobs.
3. Workforce Housing: I wish to develop long-term strategies to ensure our workforce of teachers, tradespeople, nurses, sailors and more can find housing within the community, reducing long commutes and supporting local businesses. 👉Specifically, I want to pursue deed-restricted housing as a % of each new development👈
4. Permitting: let’s minimize turnover within IC personnel and make sure our permitting process is as fast as possible to reduce carrying costs for those who choose to invest in our infrastructure and housing in Island County. Wherever possible I will attempt to implement more user-friendly tech solutions to let our Island County workers focus on what they do best, and let tech do the rest.
5. Work on what’s already working: we have many, many non-profits who have had the foresight to see our housing crisis before the government did. Let’s support them and get out of their way so they can accomplish what they need in order for us to all move to our common goal together: more housing in a sustainable, smart way.
Stay tuned for my short-term rental thoughts…
On The Ballot in August 2024
| Island County Commissioner, District 1 | Marie Shimada (D-Freeland) Melanie Bacon (D-Langley), the incumbent Steven Myres (R-Freeland) Wanda Grone (R-Langley) |
| Island County Commissioner, District 2 | Phil Collier (R-Oak Harbor) Christina Elliott (D-Oak Harbor) Jill Johnson (R-Oak Harbor), the incumbent |
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