WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: County wants proposals for affordable housing projects

Jessie Stensland reports:

Island County commissioners want to hear some ideas for creating more low-income and workforce housing.

The county has about $9.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, funds that commissioners have earmarked for affordable housing projects. The commissioners are now posting a formal request for proposals.

They Said It

“Affordable housing is a critical need in Island County,” Commissioner Janet St. Clair said. “The Board of Island County Commissioners is committed to addressing that need with our investments from the American Rescue Plan Act. Investment in affordable housing is how we can make Island County strong and resilient, now and for future generations.”

Commissioner Melanie Bacon said the commissioners are interested in increasing access to a whole gamut of affordable housing options, including workforce housing so people like teachers, nurses and restaurant workers have places to live on the island.

Bacon said the commissioners were expecting to hear from developers, nonprofits and others last spring when they announced their intentions to dedicate the money to affordable housing projects. They heard little in response, except for a Port of South Whidbey proposal to build workforce housing on the fairgrounds. Bacon said the county will likely help to fund that proposal.

Bacon said the commissioners have since learned that organizations were waiting on a formal RFP process to submit ideas.