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There is plenty of meaningful work that we can do better together. If you are interested in housing and homelessness, let’s talk about how to support our LWV positions in the coming year. Contact Theresa Power-Drutis

 

“With rents and home values rising at twice the rate of income, a 6 percent vacancy rate and the projected need of nearly 45,000 new housing units by 2040, housing is a necessary focus.”

~Debbie Bingham, City of Tacoma Program Manager

What LWVWA Positions can we support?

From Cynthia Stewart’s LWVWA 2024 Issue Paper: Affordable Housing & Homelessness

The LWVWA policy on housing, HO-1, states that “All levels of government and the private sector share the responsibility to help alleviate the housing shortage in the low-income sector. Identifying housing needs and planning to meet these needs is best done at the local level. The state should set minimum standards for safe and decent housing and provide for their enforcement. Policies should be formulated to allow for maximum use of available federal funding as well as encourage the participation of industry, business, local and nonprofit groups in meeting housing needs. The state government should provide information, assistance and coordination for housing programs at all levels.”

Engage in Public Meetings

Citizen Input Matters

To ensure the League "speaks with one voice," members who wish to testify or comment publicly on behalf of the organization must have their comments cleared by the appropriate League leadership. However, members are highly encouraged to participate in the democratic process by speaking as individuals at public meetings, submitting written comments, and participating in other advocacy efforts. Here are some opportunities to make your voice heard on issues of housing and homelessness:

• Washington State Department of Housing Task Force Meeting | Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. | Virtual | Register HERE.

•  Comprehensive Plan to End Homelessness | Public Comment Period (see below) 

Ongoing Opportunities to promote effective policies and practices

 Check council websites for meeting agendas and instructions for how to participate in person and virtually.

• Pierce County Council
• Tacoma City Council
• Puyallup City Council
• Other Cities and Incorporated Areas Within Pierce County
  

Comprehensive Plan to End Homelessness Update
Public Comment Period is Now Open

Community Engagement Matters!

Pierce County is amending the Comprehensive Plan to End Homelessness (CPEH) to meet state requirements for the Five-Year Homeless Housing Plan. The open public comment period will be followed by the Council vote on the plan adoption, tentatively scheduled for theJune 9, 2026 Council meeting. 

Visit the CPEH webpage to read the proposed updated plan and add your comments/suggestions before June 9, 2026.