Envisioning a More Inclusive Clallam County
As I gaze out the window of my cozy cottage in Clallam County, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement for the future. This picturesque corner of Washington state has always held a special place in my heart, but now, with the various affordable housing initiatives taking shape, I can’t wait to see how our community will evolve and thrive.
You see, Clallam County has long struggled with the challenge of providing accessible and affordable housing options for all its residents. The stunning natural beauty that draws so many to this region has also driven up housing costs, pricing out many low- and middle-income families. But that’s all about to change, thanks to the innovative work being done by local government, nonprofit organizations, and engaged community members.
Unlocking Affordable Housing Through Collaboration
One of the most promising developments in Clallam County’s affordable housing landscape is the recent influx of state-level funding and support. According to the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Governor and Legislature have made a “historic investment” in Growth Management Act (GMA) planning, which includes grants and technical assistance for local governments to address housing affordability.
“This is a game-changer for us,” says Sarah, a longtime resident and affordable housing advocate. “For years, we’ve been struggling to find the resources to tackle this challenge, and now we have the backing of the state to really make a difference.”
The state grants, which will be made available to all counties and cities within the GMA framework, will provide crucial funding for Clallam County to review and revise its comprehensive plan and development regulations. This, in turn, will allow the county to identify and implement innovative strategies to increase the supply of affordable housing units.
Empowering Vulnerable Communities
But the state’s investment doesn’t stop there. In a move to ensure that the voices of vulnerable and overburdened communities are heard in the planning process, the Department of Commerce has also established a new grant program focused on community-based participation.
“This is exactly what we’ve been pushing for,” explains Marisa, a local community organizer. “Too often, the decisions that shape our neighborhoods are made without input from the very people who are most impacted. This new funding will allow us to engage directly with residents, especially those from low-income and marginalized backgrounds, to ensure their needs are reflected in the plan.”
The community-based participation grants, which range from $35,000 to $100,000, will empower local organizations and grassroots groups to actively participate in the comprehensive planning process. This, in turn, will help to ensure that the affordable housing solutions developed in Clallam County are truly reflective of the diverse needs and experiences of the community.
Coordinating Low-Income Housing Efforts
Another exciting development in Clallam County’s affordable housing landscape is the state’s new Coordinating Low-Income Housing Planning (CLIHP) grant program. Funded through the 2023-2025 state operating budget, these grants will provide up to $50,000 to counties and regional collaborations to support the coordination of policies and data for upcoming comprehensive plans, consolidated plans, and homelessness plans.
“This is exactly the kind of support we’ve been needing,” says Sarah, the affordable housing advocate. “For too long, our efforts to address low-income housing have been siloed and disjointed. This grant will allow us to bring all the key players to the table, align our strategies, and ensure that we’re leveraging every available resource to make a real impact.”
The CLIHP grants will be a critical tool in Clallam County’s efforts to tackle the complex challenge of providing affordable housing for individuals and families earning less than 50% of the area median income. By fostering collaboration and coordination, these grants will help to ensure that the county’s comprehensive plan, homelessness plan, and other key policy documents work in harmony to create a more inclusive and equitable housing landscape.
Embracing Climate-Conscious Planning
But the state’s investment in Clallam County’s affordable housing future doesn’t stop there. The Department of Commerce has also made a significant commitment to supporting local governments in addressing the challenges of climate change through its new Climate Planning Grants.
“This is a game-changer for us,” says Sarah, the affordable housing advocate. “Climate change is already impacting our community in ways we couldn’t have imagined, and it’s the most vulnerable residents who are bearing the brunt of it. These grants will allow us to integrate climate-conscious planning into our affordable housing initiatives, ensuring that we’re building resilient, sustainable communities that can withstand the challenges of the future.”
The Climate Planning Grants, which will provide up to $30 million in funding over the 2023-2025 biennium, will support Clallam County in developing a greenhouse gas reduction sub-element and a resilience sub-element for its comprehensive plan. This, in turn, will help to ensure that the county’s affordable housing solutions are designed with climate change in mind, promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy, and disaster preparedness.
Fostering Inclusive Growth
As I reflect on all these exciting developments, I can’t help but feel a sense of optimism for the future of Clallam County. By harnessing the power of state-level support, fostering collaboration and community engagement, and integrating climate-conscious planning, our region is poised to become a model for inclusive and sustainable affordable housing solutions.
Of course, the work ahead won’t be easy, and there will undoubtedly be challenges to overcome. But with the collective efforts of local government, nonprofit organizations, and engaged community members, I’m confident that Clallam County can create a future where everyone, regardless of their income level, has access to safe, affordable, and resilient housing.
So, as I gaze out at the breathtaking scenery that surrounds me, I can’t help but feel a renewed sense of pride and excitement for the path that lies ahead. The future of Clallam County is bright, and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.