City of Tacoma Affordable Housing Action Strategy

Affordable Housing Action Strategy

The City of Tacoma considers affordable housing to be a high priority and has developed an Affordable Housing Action Strategy to address this important issue. As part of this process, a Housing Market Policy Dashboard (with associated technical documentation) has also been created to reflect the potential impacts of market-based incentives for income-restricted affordable housing production. 

Background Information 

A strategic overview presented to the City Council on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 had initially outlined the City of Tacoma's intended approach moving forward. 

The current strategy was then developed during an intensive four-month process that included a series of community listening sessions, focus groups and other avenues for public feedback organized by the City and its community partners. 

Looking for answers to frequently asked questions as well as a high-level summary of what was shared during the community listening sessions, focus groups and other public events? Download this handout.  

Prior to the completion of the current strategy, the City Council had received its final update on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. That update included a review of Tacoma's key challenges as it relates to affordable housing, as well as recommended strategic approaches that the City could consider taking.

Key challenges identified: 

• Accelerating housing market conditions
• A limited rental supply
• Households experiencing significant housing cost burdens
• Community members experiencing barriers accessing or staying in housing

Recommended strategic approaches to addressing these key challenges:

• The creation of new housing
• Keeping existing housing affordable and in good repair
• Helping community members stay in their current housing
• Reducing barriers for those who often encounter them

Past efforts relating to affordable housing include the work of the Affordable Housing Policy Advisory Group (AHPAG) formed in 2010. AHPAG developed 25 policy recommendations in seven categories. Many of the policies originating from AHPAG’s policy recommendations have been implemented over phases, culminating with the 2015 adoption of Ordinance No. 28336 which established incentives for affordable housing, among other public benefits, and created more regulatory flexibility for infill development. 

The work of the AHPAG has informed the work the City of Tacoma has done to develop its current strategy. The City also factored in details from the Tacoma 2025 strategic visioning framework, the One Tacoma Comprehensive Plan, and other reports into its current strategy which will align with other initiatives.

Contact Information

Daniel Murillo
(253) 591-5238