FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Jan. 30, 2023
OLYMPIA – Legislation to create more opportunity for housing near transit centers will be heard in the Senate Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs Committee Tuesday morning. The bill aims to increase the state’s supply of diverse types of housing while amplifying recent investments made in public transportation.
“We’ve made massive investments in public transportation the last few years, and this bill would help us support even more of our neighbors,” said Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett), prime sponsor of the legislation. “By creating more housing near transportation centers, we can shorten commute times, decrease carbon emissions, increase housing supply, and create more opportunity for communities across Washington.”
Senate Bill 5466 provides development targets near light rail and bus rapid transit stations and gives local jurisdictions flexible tools to meet these targets in ways that reflect the unique characteristics of their communities. The Urban Institute predicts that this approach will create nearly one million new housing units close to the frequent transit service which will help families and workers commute to work and services efficiently.
The legislation includes significant support from both Republicans and Democrats in the Senate.
Members of the public interested in commenting, noting their position, or testifying on the bill can do so by visiting this website and selecting the Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs meeting at 8 a.m. on Jan. 31.
The committee meeting will be available to watch live and archived on TVW.org
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