Commerce launches housing projects dispute resolution program for local governments



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Oct. 1, 2024

Commerce launches Housing Dispute Resolution program

There is a significant need for supportive housing and emergency housing projects statewide, however siting them can be difficult. The Washington State Department of Commerce is now offering dispute resolution services for local governments and service providers seeking to site supportive housing and emergency housing projects.

Through June 2025,  a dispute resolution consultant is available to work with both parties to resolve disputes about permitting and siting emergency shelter, transitional housing, emergency housing and permanent supportive housing (STEP) projects.

*When is STEP housing dispute resolution available?*

Dispute resolution is available to developers, operators or project applicants of STEP projects, or a county, city or town in which a STEP project is planned, has applied for a permit, or is located.

Dispute resolution services can be accessed when one of the following takes place:


* A jurisdiction denies a permit for a STEP project.
* Disputes arise between jurisdictions and developers of STEP projects during the permitting process, as early as the pre-application meeting.
* A local government attempts to close an operating STEP project.
* A jurisdiction’s regulations operate to prevent the siting of STEP projects and may be inconsistent with state requirements. Such disputes will be eligible for mediation regardless of whether the jurisdiction’s comprehensive plan periodic update is complete.

*How to access STEP housing dispute resolution*

To submit dispute resolution requests, send an email to [email protected]. Please address "ATTN: Laura Hodgson" in your subject line and provide the following information in the email:


* Name of the jurisdiction in which the project is located and, if available, the jurisdiction’s contact name and information,
* STEP project representative or developer and their respective contact information,
* Description of the project, including location and permitting status,
* Description of the concern or disagreement, including any relevant local regulations (if applicable), and
* Steps taken to-date to resolve the disagreement or concern.

After Commerce has determined if the request meets the minimum requirements for dispute resolution, the department will contact each party to confirm that both parties are willing to engage in dispute resolution, and explain next steps.

If the request is not eligible for dispute resolution, Commerce will inform the applicant about why the request was not eligible for dispute resolution.

*STEP support tools*

To assist cities and counties in integrating effective STEP planning into local regulations, Commerce developed a portfolio of new guidance documents and tools:


* STEP Model ordinance, User Guide and Best Practice Report  [ [link removed] ]to help local jurisdictions develop their own ordinances.
* STEP State of the Practice Report [ [link removed] ] to summarize best practices and existing local practices for the siting and development of emergency housing, emergency shelters, permanent supportive housing and transitional housing.
* Four STEP case studies [ [link removed] ] on successful local implementation from King County and the cities of Spokane, Vancouver, and Wenatchee.
* STEP Communications toolkit [ [link removed] ] to help jurisdictions communicate the benefits, challenges, and best practices associated with STEP.

*Questions?*

For more information, please view the Housing Dispute Resolution Plan [ [link removed] ] or visit the Updating GMA Housing Elements webpage [ [link removed] ]. Please contact Laura Hodgson at [email protected] with any questions.






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About Commerce

Commerce works with local governments, businesses, community-based organizations and tribes to strengthen communities. The department’s diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and effective public and private partnerships promote sustainable community and economic development to help all Washingtonians thrive. For more information, visit [link removed]. For information on locating or expanding a business in Washington, visit choosewashingtonstate.com [ [link removed] ].

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