HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgendaPacket_SKHHP_ExecutiveBoard_2024_8_16SKHHP Executive Board
August 16, 2024, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Virtual Meeting
Video conference:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/99857398028?pwd=eXFiMmJpQm1abDZmMmRQbHNOYS8
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OR by phone: 253-205-0468
Meeting ID: 998 5739 8028 Password: 085570
I. CALL TO ORDER
a.
b.
AND ADVISORY BOARD REPRESENTATIVE
II. PUBLIC COMMENT
III. APPROVAL OF JULY 19, 2024 MINUTES
Motion is to approve the July 19, 2024 SKHHP Executive
Board meeting minutes.
1:11
1:12
ENGAGE THE LEGISLATURE
Presenter: Carl Schroeder, Association of Washington Cities
(AWC) Government Relations Deputy Director
Purpose: Provide an update on the upcoming 2025 legislative
session and tips on how to engage with legislators.
Background: As part of the development of the 2025 Work
Plan, Board members identified a desire to learn more about
engaging with the state legislature on behalf of SKHHP and
South King County.
For review and discussion, no action is proposed.
VI. BOARD BUSINESS
a. SKHHP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY
Presenter: Dorsol Plants, SKHHP Program Coordinator
Purpose: Review and discuss SKHHP’s plan for engaging
state and federal delegation in 2025.
Background: At the July 2023 Executive Board meeting, the
Board indicated a desire for SKHHP to remain neutral on
legislation given the diverse positions of SKHHP’s member
jurisdiction. SKHHP staff developed a one-page flyer that
Board members and Administrators could use in their
meetings with state and federal delegates.
For review and discussion, no action is proposed.
Presenter: Dorsol Plants, SKHHP Program Coordinator
Purpose: Presentation of the 2024 quarter two budget and
progress report for the Executive Board review.
Background: Staff provides quarterly budget and progress
reports consistent with the SKHHP Interlocal Agreement. The
report serves as an accountability and progress update as well
as a tool for Board Members to update their member Councils
and other interested parties. Staff presentation followed by
Board discussion provides the opportunity for feedback prior to
finalization and distribution to member jurisdictions.
For review and discussion, no action is proposed.
c. GENERAL UPDATES
Presenter: Dorsol Plants, SKHHP Program Coordinator
Purpose: General Updates
Background: An opportunity to receive updates and discuss
items from the July Executive Board meeting.
For review and discussion, no action is proposed.
2:30
2:40
2:45
SKHHP Executive Meeting
July 19, 2024
MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
Nancy Backus called the meeting to order at 1:05 PM.
ROLL CALL/ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
Executive Board members present: Nancy Backus, City of Auburn; Traci Buxton, City of Des
Moines; Xochitl Maykovich, King County; Victoria Schroff, City of Maple Valley; Carmen Rivera,
City of Renton; James Lovell, City of SeaTac; Eric Zimmerman, City of Normandy Park; Kristina
Soltys, City of Covington.
Others present: Jeff Tate, SKHHP Interim Executive Support; Dorsol Plants, SKHHP Program
Coordinator; Menka Soni, SKHHP Advisory Board; Ashley Kenny, SKHHP Advisory Board; Kent
Hay, SKHHP Advisory Board; Maria Arns, SKHHP Advisory Board; Olga Lindbom, SKHHP
Advisory Board; Hamdi Abdulle, SKHHP Advisory Board; Rumi Takahashi, SKHHP Advisory
Board; Zajj Collins, SKHHP Advisory Board Alternate; Angie Mathias, City of Renton; Nicholas
Matz, City of Normandy Park; McCaela Daffern, King County.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment was provided.
III. APPROVAL OF JUNE 14, 2024 MINUTES
James Lovell moved to approve the June 14, 2024 minutes as presented, seconded by Carmen
Rivera. Motion passed (7-0)
IV. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
No modifications to the agenda were made.
V. BOARD BRIEFING
a. PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO STOP THE CYCLE OF HOMELESSNESS
Menka Soni expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present to the Executive Board and to
provide practical solutions to the homelessness crisis. Before going over the solutions, the hope
is to give a picture of the current model for someone to exit from homelessness. In an ideal
world, an individual or family that becomes homeless for various reasons would connect with a
service provider who can provide temporary accommodation. From there, that person can move
to transitional and eventually permanent housing. Once the individual or family reaches
permanent housing, the thought is that they have received the support needed to end their risk
of homelessness. Unfortunately, some challenges to this system need resolution.
The first 'H' in SKHHP speaks to our ability to end homelessness by providing capital funding for
affordable housing. SKHHP has committed funds for 550 housing units for our homeless
neighbors in the last two years. This is important because SKHHP has been working to end
homelessness by providing this capital funding.
The cycle can continue when a factor called “income shock” occurs. With the reduction of
financial support after the COVID-19 pandemic, income shock is becoming very acute. With all
the job situations, people are losing their jobs. There is also a lack of mental health support,
which can result in a return to homelessness. There has also been an increase in Domestic
Violence, which further creates housing instability. Factors such as these, a medical condition or
injury, which form a financial burden, are why we are seeing an increase in homelessness even
as we see an increase in affordable housing.
Because of these income shocks, even though they have a home, they cannot maintain it. While
there is an ideal system to exit homelessness, we know there is leakage, and something needs
to be done to break the cycle. The presentation intends to show where some leaks are
occurring and where additional support could be provided to help our neighbors retain their
housing.
Ashley Kenny continued by introducing the first solution to stem the return to homelessness:
rental and financial assistance. The cost of housing is very high, and more than half of
households that exit homelessness are not able to find housing with supportive services due to
a lack of supply. Many of these households exit homelessness into 60% AMI units or market-
rate homes, which means they are rent-burdened from the onset. Our area's rent continues to
increase, and household incomes cannot keep up. So, when an income shock like sickness, job
loss, or a car breaking down occurs, missing even just one month's rent can put that household
on a path to eviction. We know that not every household that experiences income shock
becomes homeless, but research shows that households that have exited homelessness before
are more likely to fall into homelessness again. Often, these households lack a family or social
safety net, which is what resulted in their first instance of homelessness.
Homelessness is expensive for everyone. Research shows that providing rental assistance,
sometimes with supportive case management, can be far cheaper than allowing the household
to fall into homelessness. Providing direct rental assistance can be challenging with scarce
financial resources, but the alternative is much worse. A 2022 study of homelessness
prevention in King County found that the average stay in an emergency shelter cost $14,000 for
an individual who ultimately moved to permanent housing.
When a household becomes homeless, in addition to the emergency shelter cost, there would
be costs to the landlord, payment of past eviction debt, payment of new deposit and rent, and
other actual expenses that are difficult to quantify related to the trauma of homelessness. Some
of this trauma can include disruption to employment, school, loss of community, increased risk
of physical or mental illness, increased risk of substance abuse, and even incarceration. This
can be a big deal for anyone, but when there are children, the impact of the trauma related to
homelessness will have lifelong consequences.
Another study conducted between 2019 and 2022 in Santa Clara County was a randomized
control trial focused on the benefits of rental assistance. Households that received rental
assistance were shown to be less likely to become homeless. On average, households were
provided $4400, and after subtracting agency overhead costs, the study determined that there
was a benefit not just to the recipient but that the community saw cost savings of around $2605.
With scarce financial resources, rental assistance may be a more cost-effective strategy.
A challenge for rental assistance programs is that funders put too many restrictions on using
funds. An example of this is the common requirement that households cannot access
assistance until they are on the verge of eviction. This means that households must wait until
the last minute to apply, which puts them at risk of not receiving the benefit in time. This delay
can also sour relationships between tenants and landlords. Ashley Kenny's focus is supporting
households with children; usually, the family knows they cannot cover the rent before it's due.
These households reach out for assistance right away to support their families and are told by
agencies they must wait for the formal eviction process to begin or even wait until an eviction
court summons is issued. Taking a moment to place ourselves in the shoes of that parent and
each day fearing your children will become homeless is a terrifying day. Would you be able to
function with that fear hovering over you? Could you be a patient employee or a loving spouse?
If service providers had more flexibility with financial assistance, the agency could better design
a program that meets the specific needs of who they are serving and reduces their trauma.
Another challenge with rental assistance can be that funders set a low limit on the amount of
funding that can be provided. Limits in our areas can be around $2,000 to 3,000 dollars.
Unfortunately, the need for this can be very high in our current market. Landlords are seeing
eviction processes take longer or are genuinely trying to work with the family, which causes the
debt amount to increase. During this time, attorneys will also suggest that landlords not accept
partial payments. These delays can cause the debt amount to exceed the service limit, and if
service providers were given more flexibility to design their programs, they could better meet the
household's individual needs.
For many households, one-time rental assistance can prevent them from experiencing or
returning to homelessness, but some may need additional assistance to stabilize, and our next
solution seeks to provide that support.
Kent Hay began doing homelessness outreach for the City of Auburn in 2020, and on one of his
first trips, he began working with a young lady in her thirties with six children who had been in
and out of homelessness for years. After working with the family, he supported her getting into
an apartment. Usually, when a service provider supports a family in getting into housing, there is
limited to no post-service support. The trauma that the family had experienced as part of their
homelessness can make it difficult to accomplish tasks such as checking her mail due to the
high levels of anxiety she experienced. This would result in her getting behind on rent and
utilities and Kent Hay's team needing to continue support to prevent her return from
homelessness. In 2024, the family is at risk of being evicted, and without the support over the
last four years, the family would have lost housing.
Comprehensive Case Management is essential for families like Kent Hay mentioned, who have
been working to help put things in place and connect people with services that help address
their needs. This support can include health education, workforce development, and other
support to keep families in their homes. One clear example is Homeless Stability Payee
Services, which can address the problem associated with how homelessness exacerbates
financial instability and challenges managing household finances.
For the family Kent Hay has been supporting for four years, she was provided a housing
voucher that sets her rent based on her income, which is around $300 and $400 with utilities.
Unfortunately, she still experiences challenges paying these amounts on time. Payee services
support the family by ensuring those bills are paid while empowering them through financial
literacy and budget classes. The goal is still to foster eventual independence for our neighbors.
The program aims to tie financial assistance with payee services. The payee coordinates with
the household and ensures that rent, utilities, and other essential housing costs are met first and
provides the remainder for the household to spend. This frees these households from the fear
and anxiety of falling back homeless, allowing them to stabilize their families. The payee also
teaches household budgeting and other financial skills that help the family better handle their
money. This keeps a household from returning to homelessness and works to support them to
achieve complete independence.
Kent Hay continued that there is one solution to homelessness that we don't often consider:
affordable homeownership. Usually, the process gets someone into rental housing, and the
service support ends soon after. We often don't talk about the next step in housing,
homeownership, which has been shown to provide better long-term stability.
Homeownership creates stability by providing a permanent living place where you can't get
evicted. Utilizing a fixed-rate mortgage or other subsidy prevents your monthly housing cost
from fluctuating as rent constantly increases. Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
can be used to create down payment assistance programs. Often, jurisdictions will spread
general fund dollars around, providing a lot of money to agencies doing different work. There
could be an opportunity to use those funds differently, such as a household that utilized a payee
service program that helped them cover their current household needs while saving for a
downpayment to purchase a home eventually. Local and federal funds could support
downpayment and other homeownership programs.
Another advantage to homeownership is that it allows for generational wealth building. Once
you own your home, you begin to build equity, creating a financial safety net. The house itself
and the equity it generates are also things that can be passed on to other family members,
creating generational stability. Research has shown that homeowners fare better during times of
financial distress when compared to renters. By creating a path out of homelessness that ends
in home ownership, we can end generational cycles of homelessness and focus better on the
folks on the ground.
If we can work to prevent households from becoming homeless, it will enable our direct service
providers to better focus on the homeless outside.
Kristina Soltys joined the meeting.
Maria Arns provided a personal story demonstrating how housing instability can impact anyone.
Previously, as a homeowner, Maria Arns was a licensed practical nurse (LPN) who had an on-
the-job injury in 2008 or 2009. She opted out of the surgery, which only had a 50% success
rate, so she lost the Labor and Industry (L&I) benefits. Shortly after that, she lost unemployment
even though she could not hold a full-time job without significant pain or poor performance. She
was advised to sue the company as she did her job covering for a partner who was off the unit
without her knowledge. The patient lived, but the agency does not keep LPNs with the injury she
suffered.
Maria Arns was homeless or unstably housed with her mom and son for several years.
Eventually, in 2015, her Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) came through, and she
rented a house that was in foreclosure and had to move in August 2016. Her mother passed
away in July, and her son had gotten some roommates, so she began to rent rooms. In
December 2018, the male owner of the house decided to expose himself, so her son rented a
one-bedroom with Maria Arns so she could qualify. The Seattle Urban League found the
apartment for her. In December 2019, after suffering a heart attack, her son decided he would
stay with her another year. So, they moved to a two-bedroom apartment in December 2022.
While the apartment was not ideal, she was stably housed. She would have to spray outside the
unit to keep the roaches from coming and would witness crime, drugs, and violence. She was
asked not to move because of how much of a model tenant she had been.
In December 2022, Maria Arns moved after being gainfully employed by a group working with
her disability. The job was not funded for 2024, so her pay was sporadic, and then she received
$2000-2600 a month from July to September. Her position was dissolved in November 2024.
Today, her housing is at risk monthly, and it has caused increased physical symptoms and
severe depression. Her son is still with her but restarted a new job at $18 an hour. With her
$1840 from Social Security, they don't qualify for most places. She is grateful that her lease has
been renewed, although the rent is $2600. They don't qualify for assistance from most places. If
she could even get help with one month's rent, it would make all the difference in the world to
their situation. The stress of being behind in the bills every month is overwhelming. Having at
least one month's rent would allow her to get caught up and even get fresh produce -- which is a
treat.
She is housed, but it is an experience trying to pay all her bills. If she didn't have a property
management company, she could let the power go and use the fireplace to cook and heat. So,
she is currently in a better position than her neighbors on the streets. If she had to, she would
sleep in her car again. Couch surfing or renting rooms is out. She has been raped couch
surfing, and after her last experience renting a room from a couple and the man when they were
home alone one day deciding to drop his pants, she doesn’t want to think what could happen.
Nancy Backus thanked Maria Arns for sharing her story and demonstrating her strength and
resiliency.
Victoria Schroff asked if the homeless stability payee service was a specific service or a type of
service. Kent Hay responded that payee services exist, such as at the ARC of King County or
Social Security, which allows a person to opt into those services or can sometimes be court-
ordered. Those services currently do not have a direct connection to housing, which could be a
potential solution to our current crisis.
Nancy Backus asked if there was a way to connect payee services with housing. Kent Hay
responded that there was a path forward, which could be achieved by creating a payee service
or connecting with existing services and property managers to connect those pieces.
James Alberson asked how utilizing general fund dollars to support down payment assistance
aligned with state law, which prohibits the gifting of public funds. Kent Hay responded that the
jurisdiction could create an application process for service providers to apply for down payment
assistance. The jurisdiction would not provide direct payments but contract with providers like
other financial assistance contracts.
Xochitl Maykovich added that the King County Housing Finance Program does provide some
funds for homeownership and participants are required to meet income qualification
requirements. This prevents concerns around the gifting of public funds as the program
functions like other financial assistance programs.
VI.BOARD BUSINESS
a. DEVELOPING A SHARED PHILOSOPHY ON HOMELESSNESS IN SOUTH KING
COUNTY
Nancy Backus updated the Executive Board that the King County Regional Homelessness
Authority (KCRHA) will appoint a new CEO in the next couple of weeks, and there was a need
to prepare for the next chapter. A meeting has been scheduled for the following week to
convene the mayors and business leaders of King County to talk about what KCRHA will look
like in the future. There are various opinions about that, and the Chair wanted to discuss this
with the Executive Board. SKHHP has a second 'H' in our name and has often felt silent in our
work.
Nancy Backus would like to hear from the Executive Board what they hope to see out of
KCRHA and a discussion on whether to respond to issues as individual cities or through
SKHHP. Decisions would not be made at the SKHHP level on behalf of cities, but South King
County is one of the KCRHA subregions, and SKHHP could serve as a focal point. She
continued that it was important for SKHHP to understand how each partner approaches
homelessness and if there are ways to align some of our work. An example is how some
SKHHP cities have had emergency shelters or services placed in their jurisdiction without the
city's knowledge. If there were a desire by the Executive Board, one option would be to
establish an ad hoc committee.
Eric Zimmerman said he felt it was wise to try to represent the cities through SKHHP, and there
was strength in providing a regional voice. If that requires a working group or another
investment of effort, SKHHP should do that since this is a unique opportunity to help an
organization course correct in a way that truly benefits South King County.
James Lovell agreed that a unified policy platform without partners deferring their authority on
decision-making made sense. Partners may deviate from the platform based on each city's
unique characteristics, but policy-wise, there may be more alignment between SKHHP partners.
Carmen Rivera said that she was in overall agreement but wanted to check in with her fellow
City Council Members. There may be some policy differences across the diverse cities, but
there is strength in communicating as a region. After the presentation provided by the Advisory
Board, she sees more of a reason to tie housing and homelessness together, and having a
subcommittee focused on connecting those two would be something she would support.
Traci Buxton said she agreed, and SKHHP was formed because of its strength in approaching
issues regionally. SKHHP should maintain the second 'H', and an ad hoc committee would help
as the topic of homelessness continues to evolve in our region by supporting asylum-seekers
and other communities in need.
James Lovell volunteered to participate in the ad hoc committee and was for keeping the
second 'H' in SKHHP. He currently works for an organization that provides services directly
related to KCRHA. There is a federal policy reason why Native people are chronically homeless,
which changes the way Chief Seattle Club serves their community. SKHHP could work on
several local policies that can address the source of homelessness from a regional level.
Kristina Soltys thanked the Advisory Board for the presentation and Maria Arns for sharing her
story. She agrees that cities have a better voice when combined at a regional level. Kristian
Soltys continued that homelessness has such a vast meaning. When it comes to what SKHHP
does, perhaps a second 'P' should be added so that our title is South King Housing and
Homelessness Prevention Partners. SKHHP could be more effective if it focused on preventing
homelessness, which helps clarify SKHHP's role.
Victoria Schroff agreed that it was wise to stay as a regional voice and that homelessness
should remain in the name. She also supported the ad hoc committee and would support adding
prevention to SKHHP's name.
Nancy Backus confirmed with SKHHP staff what Executive Board members were absent and
offered to send out an email to the whole Board for everyone who might be interested in serving
on the subcommittee.
Traci Buxton stated she was interested in the ad hoc committee.
Xochitl Maykovich stated that as the King County representative, she would be open to direction
from the Executive Board on whether King County should serve in the ad hoc committee or
whether the focus should be on city partners. Nancy Backus said having King County’s
perspective would be good.
Carmen Rivera said she would happily serve on the ad hoc committee.
Victoria Schroff said she would be interested in serving on the ad hoc committee if it were
appropriate for an alternate to attend.
Nancy Backus confirmed with SKHHP staff what a quorum would be and determined that the
subcommittee could have six members or fewer.
b. GENERAL UPDATES
Jeff Tate provided a few brief updates since the June Executive Board meeting. The Staff Work
Group met at the mid-point between Executive Board meetings to address any follow-up from
the previous meeting and develop the agenda for the upcoming meeting. The Staff Work Group
comprises staff representing each jurisdiction and is committed to their time and work, which is
essential to SKHHP.
Dorsol Plants participated in several critical meetings in our region, including the King County
Public Funders meeting, the Housing Interjurisdictional Team Meeting, the WA State
Homeownership Affinity Group, and others related to affordable housing. He is present in many
spaces that provide SKHHP and our member cities with representation and keep our region on
the radar.
Dorsol Plants also supports the SKHHP Advisory Board, including the presentation by the
Advisory Board today. He has also been coordinating and holding meetings with developers
who have funding commitments from SKHHP or are interested in applying for the 2024 Housing
Capital Fund. These meetings have had the support of city staff when a project is in the
jurisdiction. Additionally, Dorsol Plants attended several City Council meetings to support the
2025 Work Plan and Budget presentations or to present when necessary. He also completed
the annual report for SHB 1406 funds pooled by SKHHP.
Planning is underway for the Affordable Housing Tour in September, which will be on
September 20 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, and Dorsol Plants has been responsible for coordinating
each site visit. On June 26, Dorsol Plants facilitated the South King County Joint Planners and
Developers meeting focused on faith-based partnerships for affordable housing and included
planners, developers, and faith-based leaders from our region. He also facilitated training at the
July SokiHo meeting on the Affordable Housing Inventory Dashboard and is coordinating an
update of the system as part of the 2025 Work Plan.
Nancy Backus thanked SKHHP staff Claire Goodwin, Dorsol Plants, and Jeff Tate for supporting
SKHHP.
VII.UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nancy Backus updated the Executive Board that Jeff Tate would be retiring in August, and the
July Executive Board meeting was his last. Jeff Tate's work has been critical not only to SKHHP
but also to the City of Auburn and all of South King County.
James Lovell updated the Executive Board that he has proposed a bill at the City of SeaTac to
start a Housing Opportunity Fund using some surplus funding to make a combination of
homeownership and low-income multi-family housing for the city to act on. The city has a good
housing plan and sound data, but SeaTac needs more tools. He will update the Executive Board
as the bill takes shape and the lessons learned. If an SKHHP city is interested in the process,
James Lovell offered the opportunity to learn alongside SeaTac. This work should not take away
from participating in SKHHP but allows the city to begin focusing on strategies specific to
SeaTac.
VIII.ADJOURN
Nancy Backus adjourned the meeting at 2:15 PM.
South King Housing and Homelessness
Partners Briefing –August 16th, 2024
Carl Schroeder
Deputy Director of Government Relations
Association of Washington Cities
Agenda
•Housing and homelessness issues in the legislature
•Rent regulation, rent control, rent stability
•Funding for subsidized housing
•Latest on legislative housing and land use proposals and Transit Oriented
Development
•What about home ownership?
•Update on housing issues in AWC legislative priorities process
•Advocacy 101
Housing and homelessness issues in the legislature
Rent regulation, rent control, rent stability. What’s in a
name?
•Last year a proposal passed the house that capped annual rental increases at
7% in most private market rental buildings that are more than ten years old
and in mobile home parks.
•Senate was a different story, but key committee makeup may change that.
•Allies of the rental industry are developing alternative proposals
Where do things stand with housing-related revenue
proposals?
•Real Estate Transaction Tax
•Local option REET for housing
•Short term rental tax
•How do those interrelate with other large state needs?
•State Capital Budget
Funding for subsidized housing
Latest on legislative housing and land use proposals and
Transit Oriented Development
•Will the TOD bill come back, and how much momentum will it have?
•State oversight of policies related to emergency shelters and emergency
housing forms.
•State approval of housing comprehensive plan elements and development
regulations
What about home ownership?
•Condominiums, or, wherefore art thou condominium construction?
•Continued press towards reducing friction in the permitting process
•Should we still expect growth to pay for growth?
•How to ensure improvements reach the homebuyer
•Mobile home park preservation
AWC Legislative Priorities Committee
•Have been provided feedback from AWC membership input, large and
small cities advisory committees, and a survey of the membership
•Have met three times, have one more meeting to finalize
recommendations to the AWC board who ultimately adopts the
priorities
•Housing funding issues are rising to the top at this point in the
process.
Advocacy 101
Trips and Tricks for effective advocacy
Why should
you advocate
at the state
level?
Legislators enact
policies that
impact your day-
to-day operations
and your residents’
daily lives
Many decisions
legislators make
in Olympia have a
direct financial
impact on cities
and counties, and
their residents
02
In short—
Legislators decide
who gets what
and who pays for
what
Long 105-day session First year of the
biennium
Results of previous
Election will be key
Biennial budgets What will we see in
the economy?
Several initiatives, if
passed, will have
financial ramifications
2025 Legislative Session
Quick facts about the Washington Legislature
•Bicameral (2 chamber) Legislature
•49 Senate members
•98 House members
•49 leg. districts: 2 Reps. & 1 Senator
•Convenes the second Monday in January of each year
•60 days in even-numbered years
•105 days in odd-numbered years
•The Legislature passes the two-year budgets in odd-numbered years
•Representatives are elected to a two-year term
•Elections held in even-numbered years
•Senators are elected to four-year staggered terms
•Half of the membership stands for election in even-numbered years
•Sine Die is the last day of the legislative session
Legislature’s
Webpage
leg.wa.gov
•Find your legislators
•Search bill numbers
•Find cutoff calendars
•Search committee info
•Find hearings & agendas
•Get contact information
AWC Advocacy Tools
•AWC Issue Fact Sheets
•Weekly AWC Legislative Bulletin
•Weekly AWC Bill Hot Sheet
•AWC’s new bill tracker
•Friday City Action Zoom calls
•State of the City reports
•City Conditions Survey results
•Advocacy Academy tips
•Advocacy Guide
•AWC Legislator Directory
•Cities by the Numbers
•Exploring Washington’s Cities &
Towns
•City Action Days – Feb. 19-20
AWC’s new bill tracker tool
Thoughts specific to housing
•Local Governments are a key stakeholder and legislators need to hear from us.
•For the most part, cities do not build housing. We need partners in the private and non-profit sectors to choose to build in our cities.
•So much of the discussion focusing around supply does not take into account the current cost of new construction.
•Without judgement, many of the most effective advocates and legislators are more focused on affordable rentals than affordable home ownership.
•Legislature’s recent interest in land use minutia can result in differing higher community priorities. Only you can explain why that is problematic.
•Regional partnerships like SKHHP are popular with the legislature. Use that.
Candice Bock
Director
(360) 951-5390
Issue areas – Economic development; federal; finance; human
resources,labor relations; pensions; open government; liability
Carl Schroeder
Deputy Director
(360) 485-7604
Issue areas – Environment & natural resources; housing & homelessness;land
use & planning; building codes
Lindsey Hueer
Advocate
Issue areas – Public safety & criminal justice; cannabis;
emergency management; cybersecurity; general government; human services
&behavioral health; elections
Brandy DeLange
Advocate
(360) 515-8360
Issue areas – Public works & infrastructure;
telecommunications;transportation; utilities & energy
Amy Davis
Assistant
Legislative Bulletin, committee support, team logistics
Sheila Gall
General Counsel
Issue areas – Municipal finance & taxes
Matt Doumit
Legislative Policy Analyst
Issue areas – Human resources; labor relations; pensions; liability
Shannon McClelland
Legislative Policy Analyst
Issue areas – Environment & natural resources; housing & homelessness;land
use & planning; building codes
Katherine Walton
Legislative Policy Analyst
Issue areas – Public safety & criminal justice; cannabis;
emergency management; cybersecurity; general government; human services
&behavioral health; open government; elections
Brianna Morin
Legislative Policy Analyst
Issue areas – Public works & infrastructure;
telecommunications;transportation; utilities & energy
Jacob Ewing
Special Projects Coordinator
Issue areas – American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA); parks;
economic development
Government Relations Team
INCREASE HOUSING STABILITY
Address the instability resulting from the economic impacts of
COVID-19 by increasing assistance to tenants, landlords, and
homeowners as the eviction moratorium ends.
Provide local option tools and incentives to diversify the housing
supply that recognizes the diversity of our communities.
SUPPORT LOCAL PLANNING
Support efforts to secure local funding for comprehensive plan
updates that increase opportunities for affordable housing and counter
displacement.
FUND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Increase existing funding sources like the State Housing Trust Fund
and authorize new, less regressive sources that do not
disproportionately burden low-income households.
Support funding and policy decisions that reflect the role of
affordable homeownership in ensuring wealth building for individuals
and families affected by racial and ethnic segregation, marginalization,
and discrimination.
Provide direct funding to the South King Housing and
Homelessness Partners (SKHHP) Housing Capital Fund in order to
provide much needed investment for preservation and production of
affordable housing in South King County.
Auburn | Burien | Covington | Des Moines | Federal Way | Kent | Normandy Park | Renton | Tukwila King County
2022 South King Housing and Homelessness Partners
Washington State Legislative Priorities
South King Housing and Homelessness Partners (SKHHP) is a coalition of 10 jurisdictions in South King County
working together and sharing resources in order to increase the available options for South King County
residents to access affordable housing and to preserve existing affordable housing stock.
South King Housing and Homelessness Partners
25 W. Main Street
Auburn, WA 98001
info@skhhp.org
Contact:
South King County has seen some of the highest increases in rent and home sale prices.
Without preserving and building more affordable and attainable housing, families will continue to
be displaced from their neighborhoods and forced further from their jobs and communities.
The following state legislative priorities focus on legislation that will positively impact South King
County communities by increasing housing stability, preventing displacement, authorizing local
affordable housing tools and revenue options, and providing funding for affordable housing
INCREASE HOUSING STABILITY AND PREVENT DISPLACEMENT
Support the establishment of statewide rental and vacant property registration
program for the purpose of inventorying both tenant-occupied and potentially available
rental housing, for the benefit of landlords and tenants.
Provide funding support for tenants’ Right to Counsel program and pre-eviction
legal aid. Right to Counsel provides low-income tenants a free lawyer in eviction court.
Pre-eviction legal aid is an anti-displacement strategy and can prevent cases from
entering the court process.
LOCAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING TOOLS AND REVENUE OPTIONS
Authorize local option Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) for affordable housing and
displacement prevention. Addressing the affordable housing needs cannot be solved
without vastly increasing the funding for affordable housing. A local REET option will
provide critical local funding resources necessary to preserve affordable housing and
help counter displacement in South King County.
Amend surplus land dispossession policies to support homeownership. Expand
the use of public property for the purposes of affordable housing to moderate-income
households by allowing a public benefit purpose to include both affordable rental
housing and permanently affordable homeownership.
Provide planning resources and support to help local governments plan for more
diverse housing supply and prevent displacement prevention by implementing
best practices and policies that ensure planning for housing at all economic segments.
FUND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Fully fund the Washington State Housing Trust Fund and authorize new sources
of funding that do not disproportionately burden low-income households, and support
continued affordable homeownership investments.
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South King Housing and Homelessness Partners (SKHHP) is a coalition of 11 jurisdictions in South King County working
together and sharing resources in order to increase the available options for South King County residents to access affordable
housing and to preserve existing affordable housing stock.
South King Housing and Homelessness Partners
25 W. Main Street
Auburn, WA 98001
Contact:
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South King Housing andHomelessness Partners (SKHHP)
Auburn • Burien • Covington • Des Moines • Federal Way • Kent • Maple Valley • Normandy Park • Renton • Tukwila • King County
Who We Are
Formed in 2019 by an Interlocal
Agreement, we are a collaboration
between 10 South King County
cities and King County united
under the common goal to ensure
the availability of housing for all
income levels of residents in South
King County. We achieve this
through a focus on the production
and preservation of affordable
housing, partnership with public
and private organizations, pooling
and sharing resources, and
advancing housing policies.
Purpose
Create a coordinated,
comprehensive, and equitable
approach to increasing housing
stability, reducing homelessness,
and producing and preserving
quality affordable housing in South
King County.
SKHHP Staff Contact
Executive Manager
Claire Vanessa Goodwin
Phone: 253.931.3042
cvgoodwin@skhhp.org
Program Coordinator
Dorsol Plants
Phone: 253.804.5089
dplants@skhhp.org
For more info:
Scan QR Code
or visit skhhp.org
Legislative Priority
South King County is facing a growing affordable housing crisis. In order to address this
crisis, we need to fund all aspects of affordable housing, including:
• Homeownership for moderate income households and below
• Preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH)
• Land acquisition to secure permanent affordability
• Permanent supportive housing (PSH)
• Infrastructure around affordable housing developments
• Workforce housing
Our Communities
• Residents in South King County face rising housing costs and decreasing affordable
supply in ways not found elsewhere in King County.1
• SKHHP member cities are under intense pressure to support their residents’ ability to
remain in the community.
• 52% of South King County residents identify as persons of color.2
• SKHHP member cities’ average household income is 36% lower than King County’s
($97,975 vs $154,122).3
• Life expectancy among South King County residents declined between 2011 and 2021.4
• In King County, infant mortality is highest in South King County, where babies are twice as
likely to die before their first birthday than babies born in East King County.5
Housing Capital Fund
SKHHP member cities pool funds to support the production and preservation of affordable
housing in South King County through the SKHHP Housing Capital Fund. Funding supports
the needs of low-income households earning up to 60% of area median income. Funding
priorities include projects that advance racial equity, geographic equity, and economic
opportunity. To date, 109 units of affordable housing in South King County have been
supported by SKHHP and over $7 million has been pooled.
Executive Board
SKHHP is governed by a joint board, referred to as the Executive Board, created by an
Interlocal Agreement. Each SKHHP partner jurisdiction appoints an elected official or
administrator to serve as their representative to guide the work of SKHHP staff. The
Executive Board sets SKHHP’s workplan and budget and makes final recommendations on
Housing Capital Fund projects.
Community Advisory Board
An advisory board made up of members of the community and local housing
organizations provides guidance to the Executive Board and informs the selection of
Housing Capital Fund projects. The Advisory Board ensures representation of South King
County’s diverse communities within SKHHP’s work.
1 Puget Sound Regional Council: Regional Housing Strategy 2022 Monitoring Report (p. 31)
2 2021 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates: P1 - Race
3 Calculated the weighted average household income of SKHHP member cities using total number of households
by city and average household income by city as published in the 2021 ACS: S1901 – Income in the Past 12 Months
4 King County Community Health Needs Assessment 2021/2022 (p. 115-116)
5 King County Community Health Needs Assessment 2021/2022 (p. 115)
1
SOUTH KING HOUSING AND
HOMELESSNESS PARTNERS
2024 Quarter 2 Progress Report (April-June). Quarter 2 was a time of action to adopt the 2025 SKHHP
Work Plan and Budget and the 2024 Housing Capital Fund Guidelines, as well as receiving concurrence from all participating
member city councils for the 2023 Housing Capital Fund allocations.
GOAL 1. Fund the expansion and preservation of affordable housing.
2024 Housing Capital Fund – The SKHHP Executive Board adopted the 2024 Housing Capital Fund
Guidelines and made $4.1 million available for eligible applicants to construct, acquire, or preserve
affordable housing in South King County. One pre-application meeting occurred in Q2 with
applications due September 13.
2023 Housing Capital Fund – Received concurrence from all City Councils who funded the 2023
Housing Capital Fund on the Executive Board’s recommendation to support four affordable housing
projects in the subregion.
Contracts – Advanced draft Housing Capital Fund contracts and funding documents on two projects.
GOAL 2. Develop policies to expand and preserve affordable housing.
Subregional Affordable Housing Preservation Strategies – Hosted South King County long-range
planners (SoKiHo) at the SKHHP Executive Board meeting on April 19, 2024 to present on the
collaborative approach to developing the South King County Affordable Housing Preservation
Strategies available here.
South King County Joint Planners and Developers – Facilitated a discussion on faith-based
partnerships supporting the development of Affordable Housing including a panel of faith-based
leaders to 7 developers and 14 planners and a recording is available here.
Executive Board Briefings – Coordinated two presentations to the Executive Board including an
introduction to the South King County developer, Mercy Housing Northwest through SKHHP’s ‘Meet
the Developer’ series and “How Affordable Housing Gets Financed” by Beacon Development Group.
GOAL 3. Serve as an advocate for South King County.
South King County Advocacy – Informed statewide leaders about South King County efforts to
advance affordable housing in the subregion at the Housing Development Consortium’s Annual
Affordable Housing Celebration on April 17. Spoke on a public funders panel on June 14 to inform the
housing development community of SKHHP’s available funds for 2024.
Participation in Local Meetings and Forums – Represented SKHHP at 65 regional meetings
representing 23 unique groups. Attended the Affordable Housing Week kick-off event, an Affordable
Housing Workshop sponsored by University of Washington-Tacoma, and .
GOAL 4. Manage operations and administration.
2025 SKHHP Work Plan and Budget – The Executive Board adopted the 2025 SKHHP Work Plan and
Budget on April 19. Prepared Council materials for Staff Work Group members to present to
member City Councils for approval per the SKHHP ILA requirements.
Parental Leave – Successfully transitioned executive staff coverage to Interim SKHHP Executive
Support in May and shall continue through September 2024.
WHO WE ARE
Formed in 2019 by an
Interlocal Agreement, we
are a collaboration between
11 South King County cities
and King County united
under the common goal to
ensure the availability of
housing for all income levels
of residents in South King
County. We achieve this
through a focus on the
production and preservation
of affordable housing,
partnership with public and
private organizations,
pooling and sharing
resources, and advancing
housing policies.
PURPOSE
Create a coordinated,
comprehensive, and
equitable approach to
increasing housing stability,
reducing homelessness,
and producing and
preserving quality affordable
housing in South King
County.
CONTACT
Claire Vanessa Goodwin
Executive Manager
Website:
http://skhhp.org
Phone:
(253) 931-3042
Email:
info@skhhp.org
2
South King Housing and Homelessness Partners
Fund Status as of June 30, 2024
REVENUES OPERATING
ACTUAL
HOUSING CAPITAL FUND
CONTRIBUTIONS 2024
Auburn $ 39,543 $ 135,475
Covington 11,407 213,657
Maple Valley 11,407 500,000
SeaTac 10,456 300,000
Tukwila 11,407
INTEREST EARNINGS 136,834 -
Total $ 389,103 $ 3,959,020
EXPENDITURES
SKHHP Cost Reimbursement 144,736 -
Administration Fee 8,600 -
Total 153,363 -
Beginning Fund Balance –
January 1, 2024 7,670,194 7,292,705
4,297,146 3,959,020
11,967,340 11,251,725
SKHHP Cost Reimbursement Detail EXPENDITURES
Professional Services 21,551
Total 153,363