Episode 49: How do we solve our affordable housing crisis?

Affordable housing might well be the signature issue of the upcoming City Council elections in Tacoma. And in the words of Citizen Tacoma guest Jason Gauthier, it’s hugely complicated and there’s no silver bullet. We went in-depth on the issue with Gauthier, the Director of Operations for Tacoma-Pierce County Habitat for Humanity, and City Councilman Anders Ibsen to talk about the tools the city and state are using to create more units of affordable housing, whether they work, and what we really need to make an impact. Tax breaks for developers? Government-funded affordable housing developments? Waiving fees for those who build affordable housing? This may be the closest thing to debate class we’ve had on Citizen Tacoma. Tune in for a lively discussion about one of the most pressing issues our city faces. Also, we’re pretty sure we’ll see Jason back on the pod when he runs for some kind of office. Links Multifamily Property Tax Exemption Incentive: City of Tacoma Too many market-rate apartments in Tacoma? It’s complicated Developer replacing Pacific Lanes will get tax break for offering affordable apartments New Tacoma landlord to desperate tenants he’s evicting: ‘Moving will be an improvement’ Affordable housing now required in new, large apartment complexes in this Tacoma neighborhood Channel 253 membership