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
Matt Bedsole is not a normal investor. He is the CEO of Invest Chattanooga, a fund set up by the city of 200,000 to invest in local apartment projects. Unlike private equity firms — the main backers of new construction — he judges deals not solely on their financial return but also on how much housing they can deliver the city.
After a split discussion, the City of Leavenworth has decided to table a conceptual idea to transform the Leavenworth Golf Course property into a multi-use space with affordable housing units.
The concept, titled “A BIG Idea,” was submitted in response to the Housing Advisory Committee’s (HAC) request for affordable housing ideas.
The Chelan City Council unanimously adopted three measures updating the city’s affordable housing code, aligning local rules with changes in Washington law and allowing more flexibility in how housing funds can be used.
City Finance Director Heidi Evans described the changes as largely administrative. But taken together, they remove limits that had made Chelan’s rules more restrictive than state guidelines.
14 N. Wenatchee Ave. Suite 155
Wenatchee, WA 98801
