Snohomish County Council Approves: The Snohomish County Council unanimously approved the Housing and Behavioral Health Capital Fund on December 14, 2023. This investment plan, spearheaded by Executive Dave Somers in collaboration with the County Council and community leaders, commits approximately $114 million over five years to preserve and build affordable housing and behavioral health facilities.
The plan includes the creation of 550 new affordable housing and permanent supportive housing units, along with 150 units of emergency bridge housing. This strategic investment will also expand local behavioral health resources. The initiative is designed to address the housing crisis in Snohomish County, focusing on emergency housing, permanent supportive housing, and affordable housing, alongside investments in behavioral health facilities.
Executive Somers expressed gratitude for the partnership with the County Council, emphasizing the positive impact on the housing crisis. The plan aims to provide stable housing for hard-working individuals at risk of homelessness, marking significant progress.
Council Chair Jared Mead highlighted the plan’s commitment from taxpayers to make a difference in keeping people in homes. The initiative is expected to strengthen the local economy, alleviate burdens for families, and maintain Snohomish County as a great place to live.
Aligned with Snohomish County’s goal to limit the number of households spending over 30 percent of their income on housing, the plan targets the 32 percent of households currently burdened by housing costs. The county is estimated to need 143,182 additional affordable housing units by 2044 to meet demand.
The $134 million Housing and Behavioral Health Capital Fund Plan, utilizing HB-1406 and HB-1590 funds, includes provisions for acquisition, rehabilitation, construction, operations and maintenance of housing units, delivery of housing-related services, creation of a local reserve fund for behavioral health facilities, and administration and evaluation of the investment plan.
In compliance with state regulations, the new units will cater to households and individuals earning below 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). The intended beneficiaries encompass families with children, those facing behavioral health challenges and/or disabilities, survivors of domestic violence, unaccompanied homeless youth, veterans, and seniors.
The plan’s development involved public engagement, including input from community members with lived experience of homelessness, service providers, affordable housing developers, local officials, and others, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is the budget for Snohomish County in 2024?
The Snohomish County Council gave the green light to the 2024 budget, which amounts to $1.6 billion, marking a 9% increase from the previous year’s $1.52 billion budget. The approval came after 23 amendments and extensive deliberation.
How many terms can you serve on Snohomish County Council?
The council comprises five representatives, each from a different geographic district with the same population. Each member serves a four-year term and is elected during the November election in odd-numbered years. A member is limited to three terms in total.
What does the Snohomish County Council do?
The county council creates and puts into action rules, decisions, and actions; imposes taxes; allocates income; and establishes budgets for the county.
What does the Snohomish County Executive do?
The county executive manages and supervises the county government to ensure it follows the County Charter, state constitution, and other relevant federal, state, and local laws. The executive supervises government departments and enforces laws and regulations within the county.