SPOKANE, Wash. – The Spokane City Council is examining how new apartment buildings are using a key housing incentive.
During the meeting scheduled for Monday, council members will conduct a first reading of a proposed ordinance that could modify how short-term rentals operate in the city.
The ordinance aims to ban short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, in new apartment buildings that receive the Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE). The MFTE offers developers a tax break for building in high-demand areas, often with the condition that they include affordable housing units. However, some of these units are being used as short-term rentals, which city officials state undermines the program’s intent.
City Council Member Jonathan Bingle discussed the original purpose of the MFTE program.
“The MFTE program was not intended to create short term rentals, it was intended to create more affordable housing units… And so this brings us in compliance with state law,” Bingle said.
If passed, the ordinance would ensure that all units built with MFTE incentives contribute to long-term housing needs. The proposed ordinance will undergo additional readings before a final vote is conducted.
For more information on the Spokane City Council and housing policies, visit their official website.
