Catch up on your reading

We send out Advocacy Alerts to educate and keep you up to date on city business related to affordable housing, to offer our perspective on a policy or initiative, and to let you know when it’s time to act with a letter or public comment at City Council or Planning Commission.

Land use fee reduction

Land use fees constitute a significant expense to developers. In 2023, to encourage affordable housing development, the city introduced a resolution that would create a program to subsidize three land use fees for affordable housing development. HRB successfully advocated for greater subsidy and additional fee coverage for projects that are 100% affordable.

November 13, 2023

October 9, 2023

September 11, 2023

Housing Action Plan

In 2022, the city contracted with ECONorthwest to develop a Housing Action Plan for Bainbridge Island. Based on extensive community engagement, an inventory of existing conditions, and an assessment of demand over the next 20 years, the plan recommends actions the city can take to meet the need for affordable and market-rate housing.

June 29, 2023

June 26, 2023

May 24, 2023

April 26, 2023

August 4, 2022

Bethany Lutheran Church

In May 2021, Bethany Lutheran Church submitted a request to City Council for an increased density bonus, permitted under Washington state law (RCW 36.70A.545), to build affordable housing on its land. The plan envisions 21 units on the 8-plus acre parcel.

October 26, 2022

October 10, 2022

October 7, 2022

September 12, 2022

August 15, 2022

July 22, 2022

June 3, 2022

April 13, 2022

March 8, 2022

February 22, 2022

February 8, 2022

October 23, 2021

Housing Design Demonstration Projects (HDDP)

HDDP is intended to increase the supply and choice of housing and to create housing that serves low-income households and uses innovative green building practices. Qualifying projects are granted incentives, such as density bonuses and reduced parking and setback requirements, in exchange for building affordably and sustainably.

August 10, 2022

Ericksen Community

HRB owns one of the last remaining undeveloped plots of land on Ericksen Avenue. It was sold to us at a fraction of its market value by a longtime supporter, providing an incredible opportunity to expand our community land trust. We have begun planning an 18-22-unit multifamily rental building. Construction is close to two years out, but the city approval process has already begun.

May 24, 2022

May 10, 2022

Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE)

MFTE is used to encourage the development of affordable multifamily housing by granting a partial property tax exemption (for 8, 12, or 20 years in Washington). The exemption applies only to the portion of the development that is affordable. On November 9, City Council approved Ordinance No. 2021-23 creating an MFTE program for Bainbridge Island.

November 5, 2021

Be heard

Make the most of a Tuesday evening and attend a city council meeting by Zoom. Read this guide produced by the city so that you know how and when you can contribute.

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