Connect with us

STATE GOVERNMENT

Bill would spur development of housing near transit centers

OLYMPIA (Jan. 25, 2023) — New legislation introduced in the Washington State Senate could create more opportunity for housing near transit centers, increasing the state’s supply of housing diversity while amplifying recent investments in public transportation.

“We’ve made massive investments in public transportation in recent years, and this legislation would help to make sure that funding supports more of our neighbors,” said Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett), prime sponsor of the legislation. “By creating more housing near transportation centers, we can shorten commute times, decrease carbon emissions, increase housing supply, and create more opportunity for communities across Washington.”

SB 5466 would provide development targets within the 1,320 yards around light rail and bus rapid transit station areas and give local jurisdictions flexible tools to meet these targets in ways that reflect the unique characteristics of their communities. The Urban Institute predicts that this approach will create hundreds of thousands of new housing units close to the frequent transit service that will help families and workers commute to work and services efficiently.

Increasing housing options for working families is a legislative priority for the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, which supports SB 5466 and pother legislation that increases housing options for the unhoused, retirees, and low- and middle-income families.

“Housing development near transit corridors helps working families spend less time stuck in traffic and more time with each other,” said WSLC President April Sims. “These kinds of investments give people more choices and afford them the freedom to get to work, to the store, to school, and to places of recreation without having to rely on expensive vehicles or congested roads if they choose not to. This bill will help address both our housing crisis and traffic problems, while better utilizing the public transportation resources our state has invested in over the years.”

SB 5466 includes significant support from both Republicans and Democrats in the Senate.

“The Legislature has been trying to find housing solutions for a few years,” said Sen. Chris Gildon (R-Puyallup). “I am proud to sponsor bipartisan legislation to make housing more affordable by increasing density near transit stations. More than 70 percent of Puget Sound residents say they want to live in a walkable neighborhood. This legislation will help make that a reality.”

“Adding more housing near mass transit is the smart move to make housing more affordable, take cars off the road, and meet the needs of working families,” said Rep. Julia Reed (D-Seattle), sponsor of a similar bill in the House of Representatives.

“Housing and transit are the combination we need to help more people find affordable places to live and reduce polluting emissions,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “We have a tremendous opportunity this session to invest in making communities more livable and sustainable. I appreciate Sen. Liias and others making this a priority.”

SB 5466 is awaiting action in the Senate Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs Committee.

CHECK OUT THE UNION DIFFERENCE in Washington: higher wages, affordable health and dental care, job and retirement security.

FIND OUT HOW TO JOIN TOGETHER with your co-workers to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and a voice at work. Or go ahead and contact a union organizer today!