In 2019, Community Council released the Affordable Housing Study Report. Over three years later, we completed the advocacy phase for the study recommendations. At the Full Circle Celebration on March 23, 2023, the Implementation Task Force Report was released and highlights from the advocacy process were shared.
Read about Our Region's Affordable Housing Crisis (pdf)
Read the Affordable Housing Data & Measurement Report, updated June 2022!
The Affordable Housing study sought to answer the question, "How can we meet the need for safe and affordable housing in our region?"
Affordable housing is when housing costs – rent or mortgage, and utilities – do not exceed 30% of household income. Based on this definition, affordable housing includes housing for moderate-income households whose wages simply have not kept up with housing costs, and “low-income housing” or “subsidized housing”, which refer to units that target households below a certain income level.
Advocacy News:
- Read the article in the Union Bulletin about the City of Walla Walla taking steps to protect manufactured home parks.
- Read the article in Crosscut covering the rising rental costs in Washington and in Walla Walla specifically.
- Read the editorial in the Union Bulletin about the discrepancy between rising rents compared to income levels.
- Listen to the NPR podcast discussing housing affordability issues in tourism communities.
- Read the article in the Union Bulletin about Ruth Ann, a senior struggling with housing costs in Walla Walla Valley
- Read the article in the Union Bulletin about seniors facing housing challenges in the Walla Walla Valley.
- Read the editorial in the Union Bulletin about the challenges working families face in the rental market.
- Read the editorial in the Union Bulletin about preserving manufactured home parks.
- Read our article about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- If you were unable to attend the Common Roots Housing Trust Town Hall, you can watch a recording here.
- Check out our short video explaining affordable housing
- The Affordable Housing Implementation Task Force has compiled up-to-date information on housing relief provided by the federal and state governments (OR and WA), and utility relief provided by local energy companies. Information is provided in English and Spanish.
- Read our editorial on the benefits of multi family housing
- Read our editorial on housing and health
- Read our editorial on weatherization and repair
- Read our letter to Representative McMorris Rogers advocating for emergency funding for USDA Rural Development housing programs, and for emergency funding for rental assistance
- Read our letter to Governor Inslee advocating for an extension of the state-wide eviction moratorium