OLYMPIA – Earlier this week, the Washington House of Representatives passed HB 1859 with overwhelming bipartisan support (94–1), sending the bill to the Senate. Sponsored by Rep. Osman Salahuddin (D-Redmond), the legislation expands opportunities for affordable housing developments on land owned by religious organizations.
Washington faces a severe housing shortage, with the state needing more than one million new homes over the next 20 years. At the same time, many faith communities own land such as large parking lots or vacant spaces that could be used to meet this urgent need. Too often, outdated zoning rules and high construction costs make these projects impossible. This bill changes that.
“Faith communities want to help,” said Rep. Salahuddin. “They’re mission-driven, rooted in their neighborhoods, and already serving people who are struggling. This bill removes barriers so churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and other faith organizations can turn unused land into affordable homes without cutting corners or local control.”
HB 1859 updates state law to make density bonuses more workable for affordable housing built on property owned by religious organizations. Instead of requiring all units to be affordable, the bill allows projects to qualify if:
- At least 50 percent of homes serve low-income households (earning up to 80 percent of area median income), or
- At least 20 percent of homes serve very low-income households (earning up to 50 percent of area median income).
The bill also requires certain cities and counties to create clear policies for implementing these density bonuses when a religious organization requests one, while still allowing local governments to set higher affordability standards if those better fit community needs.
“This is about aligning our laws with our values,” Rep. Salahuddin said. “When we make it easier to build affordable housing on land that’s already there, already served by infrastructure, and owned by partners who want to do good, we all win.”
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. Click here or on the image above for Rep. Salahuddin’s remarks on final passage of HB 1859.