The housing crisis in Washington State is being met with legislative action, as the state grapples with the need for over a million new housing units to keep pace with population growth. According to a statewide housing needs report released by the Washington State Department of Commerce in 2023, this push for housing development is not just a want, but a pressing necessity, as per the City of Renton.

Taking a step to address the shortfall, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 1110 (HB 1110), which aims to bolster the development of middle housing. Middle housing, for those not in the real estate lexicon loop, refers to dwellings that house two or more units within a shared structure – think duplexes, triplexes, or townhouses. This style of construction allows for more efficient land use, and, by extension, can offer a more affordable housing option for Washington residents.

In response to HB 1110, the city of Renton is making moves to get the public up to speed. The Community and Economic Development Department of Renton is set to host their second online open house, a session that promises to update interested parties on the implications and workings of HB 1110. The event is scheduled for March 1 at 10 a.m. on Zoom, giving locals the chance to weigh in and get familiar with the draft ordinance that's taking shape under the new state standards set by the bill.

For those looking to dive deeper into the specifics of House Bill 1110, the city encourages registration for the webinar. Additional information and dialogue around middle housing can be found on the Your Voice Renton platform, an online space dedicated to Renton's community engagement. The open house appears to be steering into a vital conversation about the future of housing in Renton – and how it aligns with Washington's broader housing strategy, offering a glimpse into the local steps being taken to navigate, a state-wide challenge.