housing Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

Tax credit revamp could mean more affordable housing

By Lauren Paterson June 5, 2023

White and grey houses under construction sit on sandy ground under a blue sky.

Houses under construction in Richland, Washington. More homes are needed in urban and rural areas, said Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell. (Credit: Lauren Paterson / NWPB) Listen (Runtime 00:53) Read The… Continue Reading Tax credit revamp could Read More

Homeless Washington students: Tacoma schools seek housing resources as district with most homeless students

By Lauren Gallup June 2, 2023

Gov. Jay Inlsee signs HB 1682 at McCarver Elementary School in Tacoma in 2016. The governor is surrounded by adults and students.

The Tacoma School District has the largest number of students experiencing homelessness in Washington. Month after month, more students and their families are counted as homeless in Tacoma, the third largest city in the state. “We started the fall at 1,626, and as of the end of April, we're at 2,382,” said Taj Jensen, director of Title, Learning Assistance Programs Read More

Supporters of tenant rights bill make their voices heard at city hall

By Lauren Gallup May 26, 2023

On May 25, a number of supporters of the Tacoma For All initiative for tenant protections, rallied in front of the City Hall building. Photo by Lauren Gallup.

Organizers from the housing justice group Tacoma For All and their supporters gathered with signs and megaphones Thursday afternoon to show their support of the initiative, known colloquially as a tenant bill of rights, which Tacoma For All hopes to get on the ballot for voters this fall. The rally took place before a meeting of the city’s Community Vitality and Safety Read More

Washington’s regular legislative session is over. Here are some of the highlights

By Northwest News Network May 1, 2023

Washington's 2023 regular session adjourned "Sine Die" April 23

Washington's legislature adjourned its 2023 regular session with a new two-year state budget, alongside dozens of policy changes focused on housing, health care and public safety – and a surprising last-minute bill failure. Continue Read More

More firefighters needed to control wildfire hotspots in Eastern Washington

By Lauren Paterson April 19, 2023

A white tanker plane drops bright orange flame retardant onto a smokey forest of evergreen trees.

A tanker airplane drops fire retardant on a wildfire burning near Twisp, Wash. Three firefighters were killed battling the blaze. (Credit: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press) Listen (Runtime 1:07)… Continue Reading More Read More

Nowhere to go: Facing steep rent increases, mobile home residents are organizing

By Lauren Paterson March 20, 2023

A man with a neck tattoo and a beige jacket stands in front of a green manufactured home in Latah County, Idaho.

Johnny Taylor is one of the residents of Abiel Mobile Home Community facing big rent increases and new fees, after the park was purchased by an out-of-state investment firm. (Credit:… Continue Reading Nowhere to go: Facing Read More

New grant to help people with developmental disabilities find housing

By Rachel Sun March 16, 2023

Andrew Adams waters the garden outside the kitchen of his home. (Credit: Kristin Adams) Listen (Runtime 4:10) Read By Lauren Paterson and Rachel Sun For adults with developmental disabilities in… Continue Reading New grant to help Read More

WA lawmakers pass housing, firearm bills ahead of cutoff, leave rent control, recycling bills behind

By Northwest News Network March 15, 2023

A key cutoff deadline in the Washington State Legislature came and went Wednesday, leaving several bills on the cutting room floor

Washington lawmakers are getting back into the swing of working on legislation in committees following a key cutoff deadline. Wednesday marked the final day for legislators to pass bills from the chamber they originated in, meaning most bills that didn't receive a vote on the floor will no longer be considered this session. Read More

WA lawmakers promise bipartisan action to boost housing supply

By Northwest News Network February 1, 2023

Rep. Andrew Barkis (R-Olympia) speaks during a news conference Jan. 31 to highlight a bipartisan effort aimed at increasing the number of available homes in Washington

Legislators in Olympia are considering a host of bills to address the housing crisis, and Tuesday, members from both parties announced they're finding common ground. Continue Reading WA lawmakers promise bipartisan action to boost housing Read More

Gov. Inslee leans into housing and homelessness in 2023 State of the State address

By Tom Banse January 10, 2023

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee walks through the Capitol building in Olympia, en route to deliver his annual State of the State address, Jan. 10, 2023

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee emphasized housing construction and homelessness response during his 2023 State of the State address on Tuesday. The issue is a bipartisan priority for the state Legislature, but approaches differ among the lawmakers who convened in Olympia this week. Read More

Here are six issues atop the agenda for the 2023 Washington Legislature

By Tom Banse January 6, 2023

The flowers in the Washington State Capitol's sunken garden will be back in bloom by the time the 2023 Washington legislative session wraps up in April. The session starts Monday, January 9

Washington state voters and lawmakers appear to be in close alignment on their top priorities for the incoming Washington Legislature. The 2023 session gavels to order at noon on Monday, January 9. Continue Reading Here are six issues Read More

Home in Tacoma For All says they will fight Tacoma camping ban

By Lauren Gallup October 14, 2022

Ty Moore, with the Tacoma & Pierce County Democratic Socialists of America, holds a sign in support of Home in Tacoma For All at a rally for housing justice outside the city municipal building. Photo by Lauren Gallup.

The Tacoma City Council passed an ordinance to ban camping within 10 blocks of emergency shelters in the city. Zev Cook, a staff organizer with Home in Tacoma For All, says they’ll be taking the city to court over the ordinance. Continue Read More

Tacoma City Council to vote on encampment ban around homeless shelters

By Lauren Gallup October 6, 2022

A protestor holds a sign that reads "Shelter All Before Camping Bans" at last week's Rally for Housing Justice, outside the Tacoma City Council meeting. Photo by Lauren Gallup.

Next week, Tacoma City Council is scheduled to vote on an ordinance that would ban public-camping within 10 blocks of homeless shelters. Council member John Hines, who represents district one, introduced the ordinance. He said his goal is to make shelters, and the surrounding neighborhoods around them, safer. Read More

University President, Community & Developer Reach Tentative Agreement Over Historic Building

By Lauren Gallup August 4, 2022

The Parkland School building, owned by Pacific Lutheran University, that community members are trying to save from demolition. Photo from June 21 presentation by the Pierce County Landmarks & Historic Preservation Commission.

After months of pushback from Parkland community members over the sale of the historic Parkland School building, the stakeholders have reached a decision to please all. In a letter to two Pierce County council members, Pacific Lutheran University President Alan Belton outlined the tentative agreement. Read More

Local Organization Pairs With University Of Idaho To Build Affordable Housing

By Lauren Paterson August 4, 2022

Two women in construction helmets stand in the frame of an unfinished house against a blue sky surrounded by green fields.

Madalyn Asker and Amanda Eller stand in the frame of the first of six houses being designed and built by University of Idaho students. Listen Communities across the country are… Continue Reading Local Organization Pairs With Read More

Nearly One Third Of Homes In US Purchased By Investors, New Study Reveals

By Lauren Paterson July 29, 2022

A white for rent sign hands in front of a home with a dark blue door.

A recent report by Harvard revealed that yes, investors are buying up homes to make money. Listen (Runtime :59) Read Research from Harvard recently confirmed that investors are buying up… Continue Reading Nearly One Third Of Read More

WA Senator Says Legislature Needs To ‘Focus On Housing’

By Lauren Paterson July 20, 2022

A white house on fire on a black background has a red arrow going up.

Rising home prices and inflation are making it difficult for people to find – or keep – a home. Listen Lauren Paterson reports one Washington state legislator believes housing will… Continue Reading WA Senator Says Legislature Needs To Read More

Northwest rents continue to rise, especially in Oregon and Idaho

By Lauren Paterson June 17, 2022

Apartments with colored walls are dimly lit from far away under evening light.

As prices continue to climb across the country, the Northwest is seeing big price hikes for rentals, too. Listen Correspondent Lauren Paterson reports on what the latest data on average… Continue Reading Northwest rents continue to rise, Read More

Only Three Washington Counties Affordable For First Time Homebuyers

By Lauren Paterson June 9, 2022

A red line outlines the shape of a house with the arrow trending up against a grey background.

First time homebuyers in Washington are struggling to afford their first house. Listen Housing prices were ticking up in the Northwest before the pandemic as COVID removed reasons to be… Continue Reading Only Three Washington Counties Read More

Pierce County Seeks To Create Cultural Hubs To Improve Coordinated Entry System

By Lauren Gallup March 31, 2022

Pierce County is seeking to improve their coordinated entry system for housing assistance. One method they’re trying is through funding for so-called cultural hubs. Continue Reading Pierce County Seeks To Create Cultural Hubs Read More

Study Says 75% Of Coeur d’Alene Residents Can’t Afford To Buy A Home

By Lauren Paterson March 16, 2022

Housing prices in Coeur d’Alene and other parts of Kootenai County are soaring Read Listen: NWPB’s Lauren Paterson looks at the housing crisis in Kootenai County / Runtime: 4 minutes… Continue Reading Study Says 75% Of Coeur Read More

Thousands Of New Jobs Coming To Pasco, But What About Housing?

By Dori Luzzo Gilmour February 15, 2022

The Pasco manufacturing and business sector is growing fast but the housing sector is lagging. According to the organization Local Housing Solutions, Pasco’s comprehensive plan for 2018 thru 2038 found the city will fall thirty-four percent short of projected growth with new home construction. Read More

Governor Issues Newly Revamped Washington Eviction Moratorium Until September 30

By Austin Jenkins June 24, 2021

File photo of a posted rental eviction notice. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has put a revamped eviction moratorium, with some exceptions, in place until Sept. 30. The current ban was set to expire on June 30, 2021. CREDIT: Flickr/Rental Realities/ CC By 2.0

Renters who are behind on their rent in Washington will get a few more months of protection from eviction. On Thursday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced a new eviction moratorium that will run through September 30. The current moratorium expires June 30 — the same day the state is set to fully reopen. Read More

Judge Strikes Down Federal Eviction Moratorium, Setting Up High-Stakes Appeal

By NPR News May 5, 2021

Protesters call for stronger eviction protections in January in Sacramento, Calif. A federal appeals court will now decide whether to scrap a federal eviction moratorium from the CDC. Housing groups say renters need more time to qualify for and get rental assistance money. CREDIT: Rich Pedroncelli/AP

A federal judge has issued a sweeping ruling that would revoke a pandemic eviction moratorium put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Continue Reading Judge Strikes Down Federal Eviction Moratorium, Setting Read More

Federal Eviction Moratorium Extended Just 2 Days Before Expiration

By NPR News March 29, 2021

Constable placing eviction notice on door in Texas

With many Americans behind on their rent during the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is extending an order aimed at preventing evictions through June. Continue Reading Federal Eviction Moratorium Extended Just 2 Days Read More

Out Of Whack: Lack Of Homes For Sale Sends Prices Surging, Frustrates Buyers

By NPR News March 23, 2021

A record low number of homes for sale is pushing up prices and making it harder for first-time buyers to afford homeownership. CREDIT: Gene J. Puskar/AP

Many Americans are ready and eager to buy a home right now. But they're having trouble finding one. Home sales edged down 6.6% in February compared with the previous month because there just aren't enough houses out there for people to buy. Read More

Washington Scrambles To Avoid Mass Evictions As Moratorium Nears End

By NWPB News February 9, 2021

Arianna Laureano outside of her boyfriend’s Seattle home on Feb. 3, 2021. Laureano has been relying on Washington’s eviction moratorium, which is set to end on March 31. CREDIT: Dorothy Edwards/Crosscut

After Gov. Jay Inslee extended the moratorium multiple times, most lawmakers, lobbyists and advocates expect March 31 will mark its true end — at least at the state level. Then the question of what will happen to renters without the moratorium’s blunt relief will go from hypothetical to very much real. Read More

Lawsuit: Fair Housing Groups Say Seattle-Based Redfin ‘Redlines’ Minority Communities

By NWPB News October 30, 2020

A Redfin "for sale" sign stands in front of a house Oct. 28, 2020, in Seattle. Several fair housing organizations accused Redfin of systematic racial discrimination in a lawsuit, saying the online real estate broker offers fewer services to homebuyers and sellers in minority communities, a type of "digital redlining" that has depressed home values and exacerbated historic injustice in the housing market. CREDIT: Elaine Thompson/AP

In a complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle, the organizations said that during a two-year investigation they documented the effect of Redfin’s “minimum price policy,” which requires homes to be listed for certain prices to reap the benefits of Redfin’s services. Read More

Governor Jay Inslee Extends Washington Eviction Moratorium Through End Of The Year

By NWPB News October 8, 2020

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee speaks during an Oct. 8, 2020 news conference. CREDIT: TVW

The governor said in a news conference Wednesday that he’s concerned about housing insecurity during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Continue Reading Governor Jay Inslee Extends Washington Eviction Moratorium Through End Of Read More

CDC Issues Sweeping Temporary Halt On Evictions Nationwide Through December

By NPR News September 1, 2020

Demonstrators hold up signs as they gather at Brooklyn Housing court during a 'No Evictions, No Police' national day of action in New York City. CREDIT: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

The new eviction ban is being enacted through the Centers for Disease Control. The goal is to stem the spread of the COVID outbreak, which the agency says in it's order, "presents a historic threat to public health." Continue Reading Read More

3.4 Million Homeowners Skip Payments. But Many Are Scared, Say Congress Needs To Act

By NPR News April 27, 2020

Homeowners say that to catch up on payments, lenders demand big balloon payments they can't afford. Advocates want Congress to mandate that missed payments simply be added to the end of the loan term. Continue Reading 3.4 Read More

To Address Homelessness, Spokane Is Starting To Put Relationships Before Punishments

By NPR News February 19, 2020

Julia Garcia started the nonprofit Jewels Helping Hands, which began by operating mobile shower units to serve Spokane's growing homeless population. CREDIT: Kirk Siegler/NPR

There's a growing consensus that a more punitive approach hasn't worked for Spokane. Nationwide, the homeless population is rising. In many communities, it can feel like an intractable problem. Yet cities like Spokane are starting to show some incremental progress with some prevention programs. Read More

Group Aims To Address Pesticides In Central Washington’s Soil

By Courtney Flatt February 5, 2020

As more old orchard land in central Washington is converted into housing developments and schools, there are concerns over legacy pesticides in the soil where children play and families live. That’s especially true in Wenatchee and Yakima. Read More

Largest Farmworker Complex In State Opens In Yakima As Concerns Of Housing Shortages Echo

By Esmy Jimenez June 1, 2018

The FairBridge Hotel in Yakima, Wash., is the site of the largest farmworker housing complex in the state.

Yakima will soon be home to the largest farmworker housing complex in Washington. The revamped FairBridge hotel officially opened Friday, June 1, and the first guest workers will be housed there beginning June 11th. Read More