WASHINGTON – The state of Washington is facing an urgent need for housing, reflecting a broader crisis affecting communities across the nation, Governor Bob Ferguson announced.
Officials estimate the state requires nearly one million homes by 2044 to address this issue.
To tackle this challenge, an estimated $244 million will be invested into the supplemental budget to focus on building and protecting thousands of affordable housing units.
It also aims to make it easier for first-time homebuyers to enter the market, support energy upgrades and efficiency, and accelerate the housing construction process.
“So we’ll also use this funding to build and protect thousands of affordable housing units, make it easier for first time homebuyers to enter the market, support energy upgrades and energy efficiency, and accelerate the process to build housing,” said Gov. Ferguson.
Governor Ferguson also announced the signing of an executive order to establish a “Department of Housing.” This department will support new legislation designed to simplify the process of buying land and altering zoning laws to facilitate the construction of affordable homes.
