The Washington state Capitol is seen from a distance in 2019. (Getty Images)
Cities that deny applications for transitional housing or emergency shelters for people who are homeless may soon face steep penalties from the state, under a proposal that passed the Washington House of Representatives late Monday.
House Bill 2474 would empower the Department of Commerce to resolve disputes between cities and organizations trying to develop supportive housing. The department would oversee mediation and, if other remedies fail, could hold back state funding from cities found to be out of compliance with state law.
The House voted 55-42 to send the proposal to the Senate. Three Democrats – Reps. Mike Chapman, of Port Angeles; Tana Senn, of Mercer Island; and Amy Walen, of Kirkland – voted with Republicans against the proposal.
Supporters of the policy say it is a way to ensure that cities follow state law when it comes to siting housing for people experiencing homelessness.
It comes after the city of Kenmore canceled an affordable housing project amid an outcry from residents. That decision drew backlash from housing advocates who said the 100-unit project could have helped reduce homelessness.