Dear friends and neighbors,
Washington’s housing crisis is driving up costs in every corner of our state. We are 140,000 homes short of where we need to be, and projections show we’ll need to build one million homes over the next 20 years! It’s clear that bold action is needed now.
That’s why the legislature is taking a three-pronged approach this session to:
- Increase our housing supply,
- Stabilize costs for Washington families, and
- Support first-time homebuyers.
Increasing our housing supply
We must build more types of housing – period. That’s why I am proud to co-sponsor HB 1110 to re-legalize middle housing options like duplexes and triplexes around our transit hubs. Increasing housing density in these areas also helps put us on a path to safer, more sustainable, walkable neighborhoods.
I’ve also co-sponsored HB 1337 to eliminate barriers to building more accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Providing our communities more flexibility in constructing ADUs will significantly expand access to affordable housing options for Washington families.
Stabilizing costs for families
Skyrocketing rents are creating unstable living conditions for too many Washington families. I’ve co-sponsored HB 1124 to require 6-month notice for rent increases over 5% — a commonsense measure to create more predictability for both renters and landlords. I also believe that we must stabilize rent increases by tying rental rates to the rate of inflation.
Supporting first-time homebuyers
Generations of systemic, racist, and discriminatory policies and practices have prevented homeownership for Black, Indigenous, Asian, and other historically marginalized communities. This is unacceptable. That’s why I’m supporting HB 1474 to establish a homeownership account that will provide down payment and closing cost assistance to Washingtonians who have been targeted by deliberate housing barriers. This is just a small step we can take to right wrongs of the past.
I want to give a special shout out to my incredible seatmate, Rep. Julia Reed, for all the work she’s doing to increase access to housing! You can read more about her bills in her latest e-newsletter by clicking here.
Hearing from you is the best part of serving our 36th legislative district community. Be sure to call me at (360) 786-7860 or reach out by email if there’s anything I can do for you or your family.
Best wishes,
State Representative Liz Berry
36th Legislative District