Commerce announces 2020 grant availability to increase urban residential building capacity
Grants of up to $100,000 are available to cities with populations over 20,000, and of up to $50,000 for cities with populations less than 20,000 to support development of housing action plans, municipal code changes, subarea planning and environmental reviews - actions intended to encourage production of more housing and a greater variety of housing types.
Applicant cities must be fully planning under the Growth Management Act. Total amount available is $1 million. The application period has been extended to Feb. 28. Housing action plans must be adopted by June 15, 2021. All other actions must be adopted by April 1, 2021.
The Washington State Legislature created this grant program to help address the housing affordability crisis throughout the state. Lawmakers sought to encourage cities to select from a detailed list of land use planning activities and prioritize the creation of affordable, inclusive neighborhoods, especially in areas with frequent transit service and infrastructure that supports added residential capacity.
For application materials, visit Commerce’s Growth Management website.
2019 awards for code changes, housing action plans and subarea plans are here.
For more information, contact Anne Fritzel at (360) 725-3064 or anne.fritzel@commerce.wa.gov
|
