After eight years of serving on the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, Clark County Treasurer Alishia Topper is stepping down from her role this month, complying with the term limits as mandated by law. Topper's tenure, which began in 2017 following her appointment by Governor Jay Inslee, included her position as the Chair of the Commission's Audit Committee and a representative at the National Conference of State Housing Boards (NCSHB), where she concluded her stint as First Vice President, officials said.
In her official capacity, Topper was instrumental in overseeing and expanding housing initiatives like the $2 million down payment assistance program for moderate- and low-income first-time homebuyers in Clark County which paired applicants with loans, matched by the Commission up to $15,000, benefiting the community with a total of $60,000, despite the challenges such programs often face with funding and scalability, the success of these programs is a testament to her dedication, a sentiment echoed by Treasurer Topper herself, "I'm proud of the partnerships we’ve built and the progress we’ve made to make housing more accessible for families across Clark County and throughout Washington,” Topper expressed in a statement obtained by Clark County officials.
The impact of Topper's service is manifested in the development of 2,355 affordable homes in Clark County, supported by the Commission's Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program; these homes are a significant boost to the region’s stock of affordable housing. Topper has been an advocate for affordable housing throughout the state of Washington, often stressing the importance of investing in sustainable housing strategies. This emphasis on long-term solutions is reflected in the community-first approach she's taken throughout her time on the Commission.
The Washington State Housing Finance Commission, which Topper served, is dedicated to innovating financing mechanisms that support renters, homeowners, and broader community development projects. As she exits her role, Topper leaves behind a legacy of tangible strides in the pursuit of expanded housing opportunities, emphasizing through her work that the battle for affordable homes is an ongoing journey, "The need for affordable housing continues to grow, and it’s critical that we keep investing in solutions that help working families, seniors, and individuals find stable, affordable homes,” Topper told Clark County in a heartfelt reflection on her tenure.
