Washington State is entering its tenth year of solid economic growth, sustained by strong population growth with new residents seeking jobs, education, and economic opportunities. The housing market has not kept up with growing demand and communities are facing a housing crisis. The rural areas and smaller towns in Washington are struggling to attract new housing development and to provide housing for households at all income levels although the market was recovering in different cities of Washington experienced strong in-migration; generational preferences and household demographics shifted toward walkable urban housing near transit.

Creating incentives for localities to produce more private sector housing in under-developed, high-opportunity areas. Implementing clear and objective state development standards in high-opportunity areas especially those near transit centers. Providing for planned-action, area-wide environmental review in the permitting process. Impact fee reform that allows municipalities flexibility when charging fees on denser development while at the same time continuing to realize revenue to fund ongoing maintenance liabilities and environmental mitigation. Providing support to local jurisdictions to broaden permissiveness of building and operating additional dwelling units in single-family-zoned neighborhoods.