Dear friends and neighbors,
During my time in the legislature, I have worked to address Washington’s ongoing housing challenges by supporting practical solutions and securing funding to expand access to shelter and affordable housing. I’m proud to share a few recent highlights from this year’s legislative session.
In this year’s capital budget, I helped secure $1.5 million for the St. John’s Two senior housing project in north Spokane. This investment will help expand access to affordable housing for seniors in our community—an essential step toward ensuring seniors can age in a place with dignity and stability.
I recently joined community leaders and advocates (pictured above) to speak about SB 5662, a bill I sponsored and passed this year, which allows the City of Spokane to waive utility connection fees for nonprofit and affordable housing developments. This change helps reduce barriers for organizations building affordable housing, making it easier and more cost effective to get critical projects off the ground.
Washington’s 2025 capital budget includes $605 million for the state Housing Trust Fund, along with an additional $9 million directed specifically toward youth and young adult housing projects. These funds will support the development and preservation of affordable housing across the state.
Sen. Riccelli with VOA leadership at the new Crosswalk Youth Center under construction.
I’m incredibly excited to see the new VOA Crosswalk youth shelter open its doors at the end of August. Over the past few years, I’ve been proud to help secure $4.7 million in state funding to support this project. This expanded facility will offer increased capacity and wraparound services for young people experiencing homelessness.
Thanks for taking the time to read my newsletter. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more updates and please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at Marcus.Riccelli@leg.wa.gov.
It is an honor to serve you!
Sen. Marcus Riccelli
