March 2, 2017

Certification of Poulsbo Comprehensive Plan

The board recommended that the Executive Board certify the 2016 comprehensive plan update for Poulsbo. The board reviewed the plan and found that it conforms to the Growth Management Act and is consistent with regional plans and policies.

For more information, contact Michael Hubner at 206-971-3289.

Planning for Health

The growth board heard an overview of health and planning in the region from board members Dr. Anthony Chen, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, and Dr. Susan Turner, Kitsap Public Health District.  They highlighted data showing disparities in life expectancies across the region.

There is a growing understanding that the built environment and how we travel affects human health. Infrastructure decisions and policies can help reduce air and water pollution, increase access to recreation opportunities and healthy foods, and create more walkable communities.

Board members shared some local efforts to improve health in their communities, including safe routes to schools, parks and recreation programs, redevelopment of the Ruston waterfront park and other examples.

For more information, contact Paul Inghram at 206-464-7549.

Regional Perspectives on Affordable Housing

Panel members discussed affordable housing and incentives for mixed-income development.  The presentations help set the stage for future consideration of housing policies in the next update to VISION 2040 and to support more effective strategies for increasing the supply of affordable housing locally and regionally.

Rob Van Tassell, of Catholic Housing Services of Western Washington, described affordable housing projects built in the region.  He noted that early and ongoing communication with city leaders and community members is key to achieving successful affordable housing projects. He pointed to the Everett Safe Streets program as an example of a community working together to understand problems and develop solutions.
 
Paul Purcell, of Beacon Development Group, showed examples of affordable housing projects close to transit, including Hopeworks Station II in Everett, Compass at Ronald Commons in Shoreline, and Plaza Roberto Maestas in Beacon Hill. He also provided an overview of affordable housing financing and highlighted the steep decline in and uncertainty about funding nationally and within Washington state.  

Arthur Sullivan, from A Regional Coalition for Housing, described different approaches that cities could use to increase affordable housing by using land use and other incentives for new development. 

For more information, contact Michael Hubner at 206-971-3289.