Housing Update

Friday, Jan. 6, 2023

Happy New Year!

Our resolution this year is to continue our work to increase housing choice in Spokane. Keep an eye out for upcoming community engagement opportunities and draft changes to the Comprehensive Plan and development code. 

In case you believe in displaying your holiday lights and keeping the tree up into January, you'll appreciate watching the "Missing Middle" Gingerbread Build Off video again!

Housing is a journey. 

A home address is a destination – and housing is a journey that winds its way through life. Housing needs change over time and so does our picture of the “ideal” home.

What is Affordable Housing?

Affordable housing is a frequent topic of discussion, but did you know the term “affordable” has a specific definition?  According to Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Affordable housing is: 

“housing on which the occupant is paying no more than 30 percent of gross income for housing costs, including utilities.”

Sometimes this is shortened to “30 percent of Area Median Income (AMI).”

Additionally, affordable housing is typically associated with subsidies that are funded by the local, state, or federal governments or nonprofits. One such subsidy, funded by HUD, is the Housing Choice Vouchers program. 

Affordable vs. Attainable Housing 

Unlike affordable housing, with specific requirements linked to Federal funding, attainable housing encompasses a range of housing price points for the average middle-class American. This range of housing is often what is referred to as “missing middle” housing.

What sort of range does “attainable” housing cover?

A good rule of thumb is housing that households earning between 80 percent and 120 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) can obtain and afford. 

City of Spokane

Plan Commission

Meeting Schedule

2nd and 4th Wednesday of the Month in City Hall

WHAT HAPPENED?

• November 9 Workshop - Building Opportunity in Housing and South Logan TOD
• October 26 Workshop - Housing Action Plan Update and Building Opportunity in Housing Public Engagement

WHAT'S NEXT?

• Wednesday, Jan. 11: There will be a Building Opportunity for Housing workshop at the Plan Commission meeting.

We want your feedback!

Provide written comment in email to DevelopmentCode@spokanecity.org. This email list will be notified regarding additional opportunities for participation.

Sign up for Shaping Spokane Housing email updates and announcements here.

Interested in requesting an outreach event? Email us!

Development Services Center is Open to Serve You!

Monday-Friday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• In person - 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd - 3rd Floor of City Hall
• Online - Skip a trip to City Hall with online permitting, an email to permitteam@spokanecity.org or Electronic Document Review
• Phone - A representative can assist you at 509.625.6300

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