In an effort to combat the pressing issue of housing affordability in Pierce County, the Pierce County Community Development Corporation (PCCDC) is stepping up with a $750,000 purse designated for land banking. This strategic move targets undeveloped, vacant, or underutilized plots of land, particularly in areas where demand has spiked and lying outside the Tacoma perimeter. The intent is clear: preserve affordability for the long haul, keep residents from being pushed out, and lay the groundwork for future housing options that won't break the bank.
Those with an eye on these funds and a development plan should circle May 1 on their calendar—applications are due then, but there’s no need to wait, the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) is already online for those looking to get a head start; it’s just a click away, and for those less digitally inclined, or who prefer the feel of paper in hand materials can be requested directly from Champagne Lewis, this according to an announcement on the Pierce County's official website.
PCCDC's latest effort is a testament to the ongoing issue of housing affordability that continues to grip many communities across the nation. By taking a proactive approach, PCCDC is not only attempting to tackle the present challenges but also preemptively safeguarding the community against further displacement and gentrification that often shadows the expansion of urban limits.
Land banking, for those not versed in the jargon of urban planning, is a tactic where a governmental entity or nonprofit organization accumulates parcels of land for future use or development, it’s a process that requires forethought, patience, and an adherence to a larger strategic vision for community growth and stability, pairing these parcels often entails working closely with developers to ensure that the goals of both affordability and stability remain priority.
