Housing Crisis
Issaquah is facing a housing crisis, with rising costs making it hard for many residents to find affordable homes. Drawing from over 16 years of renting experience, I understand these challenges deeply. My journey to homeownership through ARCH - A Regional Coalition for Housing - has fueled my commitment to expanding housing options in our city.
As we advance the Central Issaquah plan, I am focused on fostering public-private partnerships to enhance our housing landscape. My role on the Planning Policy Commission has allowed me to engage with developers to create diverse housing opportunities for all.
I advocate for increasing housing supply across all income levels, crucial for stabilizing rents and providing workforce housing. The City of Issaquah’s Comprehensive Plan aims for 3,500 additional housing units by 2044, focusing on affordability for households earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI).
With projected growth of 25,620 housing units by 2050 and over 17.8 million square feet of commercial space, I emphasize that housing is foundational to community cohesion. While we celebrate our successes, we must address challenges like diminishing land availability and regulatory barriers. I am committed to innovative solutions and regional cooperation to expand affordable housing while preserving our neighborhoods and environment.