Villagers,

Two bills under consideration at the Washington State Legislature have the potential to significantly impact our Town.

House Bill 1110 and its companion, Senate Bill 5190, seek to give Washington State the power to overturn local control of our zoning laws and allow the construction of up to six housing units per lot. Neither bill considers the Village’s long history of preserving its trees, green spaces, and eclectic mix of housing. Nor does either provide any financial assistance to improve infrastructure to accommodate the added housing and occupants.

We urge all Villagers to review these bills using these links: HB 1110.pdf (wa.gov) and SB 5190.pdf (wa.gov) and then offer feedback using these links:

https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/1110

https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/5190

Mayor Howes has written to State Senator Lisa Wellman and State Representatives Tana Senn and My-Linh Thai to express the Town’s concerns about this proposed legislation. You may find the information in her letters (links below) useful in guiding the comments you submit.

Letter from Mayor Howes to our State Representatives

Letter from Mayor Howes to our State Senator

These bills continue moving forward for consideration by both the House and Senate in the near future. Time is of the essence as there are coalitions forming to push this proposed legislation as a path to more affordable housing without considering the concerns of local residents.

Thank you for taking the time to support the Town’s efforts to protect our local autonomy.