January 2025 Government Affairs Report

City of Lacey:

• Fair Housing Proclamation: Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 6pm, Lacey City Hall Chambers
• Planning Commission Overview:
  • Land Use & Zoning: Efforts are underway to simplify zoning categories and align the future land use map with growth goals.
  • Population & Housing: Thurston County projects 41,300 new housing units by 2040. Urban density standards are met, with no immediate need to expand urban growth areas.
  • Development Strategies: Focus on reducing vehicle miles, increasing housing near transit, and promoting middle housing (2-4 units per lot).
  • Commercial & Mixed-Use Development: Key areas like Midtown and Hawks Prairie are prioritized for growth, with community feedback stressing accessibility and mixed-use flexibility.
  • Community Feedback: Surveys highlight the need for 8,250 new residential units and better integration of housing, services, and transit.
  • Future Plans: Zoning codes will be updated by 2026 to support modern needs, mixed-use areas, and small business flexibility.
• Comprehensive Plan Open House-
  • Join us on Wednesday, February 12 from 6-8 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers for an Open House to help shape the future of Lacey! Learn about the Comprehensive Plan, provide feedback on important topics like housing, transportation, and economic development, and explore the next steps in the planning process. Drop in anytime during the event hours to share your thoughts and connect with City staff, consultants, and the Planning Commission. Your voice matters!
  • Link: https://cityoflacey.org/comprehensive-planning/

City of Tumwater:

• Fair Housing Proclamation: Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 645pm, Tumwater City Hall Chambers
• Tumwater Climate Element Draft Public Draft-Deadline January 31, 2025 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScy0mfUKkcWCcCDWn5mUqt6kPfcVp9bIS4496gpWS3oL52rvw/viewform?pli=1
• Planning Commission-Overview

 

Environmental and Energy Policies

• Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Focus on resilience, environmental justice, and reducing emissions from existing buildings.
• Home Energy Score Policy: Requires energy score disclosure at real estate listings, supported by subsidies for low-income residents.
• Energy Efficiency: Programs like Portland’s show success in driving home improvements; challenges remain in cost-justifying these measures.
• Electric Vehicles: Discussed requirements for EV charging in new homes and incentives for landlords to support EV infrastructure.

Summary of Home Energy Score Policy and Related Topics

1. Home Energy Score Policy:
   1. Requires disclosure of home energy scores when listing real estate.
   2. Compliance is managed efficiently with minimal staff involvement.
   3. Score costs range from $150–$300, with subsidies for low-income households.
2. Home Energy Efficiency:
   1. Online efficiency data helps buyers understand energy costs.
   2. Despite upfront costs, long-term program expenses are low.
   3. Energy efficiency knowledge helps avoid costly financial mistakes.
3. Program Impact and Research:
   1. In Portland, home energy scores led to a tenfold rise in energy efficiency improvements.
   2. Supports greenhouse gas reduction goals.
   3. Further research is needed to assess if benefits outweigh program costs.
4. Coordination and Implementation:
   1. Cities collaborate to harmonize energy assessment rules.
   2. A unified regional approach is planned, with major remodel actions set for 2029.
5. Emissions and Building Efficiency:
   1. Residential buildings are key sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
   2. Upgrading existing homes is challenging but crucial for decarbonization.
   3. The Clean Energy Transformation Act aims to reduce emissions, though State Initiative 2066 adds complexities.

 

 

Thurston County Planning Commission Meeting-Grand Mound Housing Allocations

• The meeting focused on housing density, zoning, and urban growth area (UGA) expansion in Grand Mound. It also emphasized balancing growth, affordability, environmental protection, and community concerns. Key topics included:
• Housing Allocations: A need for 223 affordable units (0–80% AMI) was identified. Density increases were proposed, with adjustments to commercial zoning.
  • Increase density for Residential–Three to Six Dwelling Units per Acre (R 3-6/1) to Residential–Five to Twelve Dwelling Units per Acre (R 5-12/1)
  • Increase density for Residential–Four to Sixteen Dwelling Units per Acre (R 4-16/1) to Residential–Eight to Twenty-Four Dwelling Units per Acre (R 8-24/1)
  • Increase density for Arterial Commercial from Six to Sixteen Units per Dwelling Acre (6-16/1) to Twelve to Twenty-Four Units per Dwelling Acre (12-24/1
• Zoning and Affordability: Consultants recommended increasing density to 8–24 units per acre to improve affordability, raising community concerns about impacts on costs and neighborhood character.
• UGA Expansion & Traffic: WSDOT raised concerns about traffic impacts from higher density. At 16 units per acre, traffic was manageable, but 24 units would require extensive analysis.
• Community Feedback: Residents were worried about increased density, potential infrastructure strain, and limited public input. Mixed-use developments and transit plans were discussed.
• Environmental & Infrastructure: Discussions covered water resource management, flood risks, and the transition to a supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS).
• Emergency Housing: Addressed the need for temporary accommodations for vulnerable populations, distinct from disaster shelters.