Susie Levy

This document outlines ARCH's 2026 Legislative Priorities, focusing on the goal of planning for over 80,000 additional affordable homes by 2044 in East King County. The plan identifies two primary priorities: increasing funding for affordable housing at both state and local levels, and reducing barriers to support local efforts in building affordable housing more rapidly. Key initiatives include advocating for local revenue options, encouraging state investments, establishing development and tax incentives, and expanding access to land. The plan also emphasizes maintaining the existing stock of affordable housing and supporting robust local housing projects.

The Board discussed the formation of an Eastside Investment Committee to streamline housing project approvals and vetted proposed membership and expertise requirements. The session included a detailed review of the 2027-28 budget, focusing on personnel growth options to manage increased compliance monitoring needs, and addressed member dues allocation methodology. Additionally, the Board reviewed policy concepts for receiving credit for sub-regional housing investments under state housing legislation and evaluated updates to the 2027-28 ARCH Work Program, including priorities for legislative advocacy and governance structure implementation.

The board meeting focused on several key items, including the extension of the ARCH Interlocal Agreement, a strategic plan dashboard update, and a report on ARCH's Q4 2025 performance. The Board also discussed the development of the 2027-28 budget and work program, focusing on growing needs within the Rental Program and potential staffing options to address these challenges. Additionally, the Board received an update on the ARCH Council of Electeds pilot and discussed the transition of the Community Advisory Board to an Eastside Investment Committee to streamline funding recommendations.

The Board discussed the governance study recommendations, specifically the creation of an Eastside Investment Committee to vet Housing Trust Fund projects and improve organizational decision-making. There was extensive discussion regarding the composition of this committee, specifically excluding city staff to avoid potential conflicts of interest and maintaining a focus on financial expertise. The Board also reviewed the 2027-2028 baseline budget and work plan, focusing on managing growth in the Rental Program and the administrative burden of compliance monitoring. Additional topics included the allocation of King County CDBG funds, updates on legislative sessions, and concerns over proposed HUD rules regarding housing assistance for households with mixed immigration status.

The Board discussed and approved a resolution to extend the ARCH Interlocal Agreement until July 1, 2030. Key topics included a review of the Strategic Plan Dashboard and the Q4 2025 report, which highlighted achievements in governance, policy, funding, and program implementation. The Board also reviewed the development of the 2027-28 Budget and Work Program, focusing on staff capacity and organizational priorities. Updates were provided on the ARCH Council of Electeds (ACE) pilot program, the status of funding approvals, and progress on specific affordable housing projects, including the Larus Senior Apartments and the Prisma development.