The price and availability of housing is having a profoundly negative effect on people and communities in Chelan and Douglas counties. For many years, our region has not been able to house all of our residents, particularly low- and middle-income earners, which has created an ongoing and growing crisis.
Having a home is a basic need that helps build a strong foundation for everything else in life. Ensuring that all residents, regardless of income level, have access to housing is key to a vibrant economy and our quality of life.
The Chelan-Douglas Housing Solutions Group, a collaborative made up of residents who work in the housing sector, has researched and recommended 15 initial ways to increase the region’s housing inventory. To read the the group’s report, please click here.
What is Affordable Housing?
The government defines affordable housing if a family spends no more than 30% of their income to live there.
Residents & Individuals
Organizations & Businesses
Applications are now open for a new affordable homeownership opportunity in Wenatchee as the Common Ground Community Housing Trust begins accepting applicants for the Crail Cottages development on 9th Street in Wenatchee.
The biggest problem with the American housing market is a lack of supply, said Laurie Goodman, founder of the Housing Finance Policy Center at the Urban Institute. That is why Goodman believes build-to-rent is a boon, since these houses would have otherwise not been built. More supply — be it for rent or buying — lowers housing prices for both groups.
Washington is debating a bill that would make short-term rentals more expensive to fund affordable housing initiatives.
After a similar effort failed last session, the Legislature is once again considering a controversial bill allowing local governments to tax short-term rentals up to 4% — which would be $8 on a $200-a-night stay.
14 N. Wenatchee Ave. Suite 155
Wenatchee, WA 98801
