Housing for those at 30% of median income will be ‘the most difficult,’ says Trautman
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The City Council discussed the housing allocation methodology for the 2026 comprehensive plan update during their meeting on May 13.
Heather Trautman, the planning director, led the briefing, highlighting the importance of planning for population growth and housing needs over the next two decades.
“This is related to our comprehensive plan in 2026,” Trautman explained. “The goal is just like with your household budget, we have to appropriately plan for all of these. We’ve gotten a population projection from the state of Washington.”
Trautman emphasized the need to accommodate various income levels and housing types, including affordable housing.
“We are now required to target and meet each of these income levels,” she said, detailing the methods under consideration for housing allocation.
Method A involves an allocation based on projected growth, while Method B adjusts for existing housing units.
Council Member Larry Bowman expressed a preference for Method B, which considers existing housing stock and could provide more flexibility.
“Why wouldn’t B be the best fit if we have a good healthy population of lower income?” Bowman asked.
Trautman acknowledged the challenges, particularly for low-income housing.
“The 30% or less will be the most difficult,” she noted, indicating ongoing discussions and potential adjustments to the plan as more data becomes available.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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