Large metro areas across the U.S. are seemingly facing the same obstacle — a shortage of housing inventory that is clashing with rising population levels, which serves to push the cost of living beyond reasonable levels of affordability for many.
One area that’s representative of this dynamic is Seattle. And a perceived lack of substantive action at the local level is pushing state lawmakers to try to take the reins in addressing it.
State legislators in Olympia, Washington, are taking a more active role in addressing the state’s housing shortage, with a particular focus on the Seattle area due in part to a perceived lack of action from local elected officials. This is according to a new report published by the The Seattle Times.
Cathy Moore, a member of the Seattle City Council, described her general approach to housing issues as one that’s skeptical of developers’ intentions and centered on a belief that the government should do more. But several of her fellow Democrats, she said, aim to include private developers in any broader conversation about bolstering supply across the city.
For state Sen. Jessica Bateman (D-Olympia) — who has been a leader in developing the state’s housing policy, including the spearheading of more state oversight over local ordinances — taking back the authority that the state had previously relinquished to local officials is a key part of the process.
“It’s a shift born out of widespread housing shortages and frustration with the pace of action at the local level, as data continues to show housing costs rising where supply has lagged and plateauing or even falling where supply has increased,” the Times reported.
“Compared with even five years ago, the housing center of gravity in Washington has shifted to Olympia, where bipartisan momentum for more and faster development has accelerated.”
At the local level, new housing policy proposals — particularly those that add density to existing neighborhoods or introduce affordable housing developments — often garner severe pushback from residents or local officials that can stall or kill any changes, the report explained.
But Moore also said that when the state implements new housing regulations or other rules, those in the state capitol do not bear the brunt of intense criticism — local officials do.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has put forward a comprehensive housing plan that seeks to further align the city with guidelines and priorities developed in Olympia. Feedback on the proposals has included pushback from some local leaders.
Washington estimates a need to build roughly 1 million housing units in the next 20 years, and there is no clear path to quickly form a plan. Many of the challenges in the Pacific Northwest echo those seen in other metro areas across the country.
According to a recent report compiled by the United States Conference of Mayors, the nationwide housing shortage is estimated at 4 million to 7 million units. The median monthly rental price has increased 18% since 2022, and nearly 70% of Americans report having concern about housing costs.
Data for 120 cities was included in the report. The housing shortfall, on average, is expected to increase by 2 million units over the next five years.
While local officials are taking action, broader support is needed, including at the federal level. Eighty percent of cities are engaged in some kind of zoning or land-use reforms, according to the report.
