Housing Action Plan: Public Input Needed
January 11, 2021
Over the past decade Cowlitz County has experienced significant population growth. Housing has become both difficult to afford and difficult to find, for all income levels. From 2010 to 2018, the county gained 6,342 people, a 0.75% growth rate per year. During the fastest years of growth, 2015-2019, the county has grown by an annual average of 1,761 new residents. Recent trends show the average county household is getting older and has fewer people.
The County has applied for and received funding to complete a Housing Action Plan. The Plan intent is to identify the needs for housing in Cowlitz County and identify regulatory and process changes that could increase housing supply and development. This process includes the production of:
- Housing Needs Assessment Draft - Fall 2020 – VIEW HERE
- Community Outreach - Winter 2021 – Currently in process - Use the links below
- Drafting the Housing Action Plan - Spring 2021
- Adoption of the Housing Action Plan - Summer 2021
An online survey is available through February 16, 2021 to members of the public and housing industry professionals for immediate input. Survey results will guide code, zoning, or process changes to increase housing development in unincorporated areas of the county. Complete the survey here:
Residents:
https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/FormCenter/Building-Planning-6/Housing-Action-Plan-Residents-297
Developers/Industry/Builders/Staff:
https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/FormCenter/Building-Planning-6/Housing-Action-Plan-DevelopersIndustry-296
For more information and to get involved, please contact the Cowlitz County Building and Planning Office at (360) 577-3052 x 1-6664 or visit the Housing Action Plan website at: www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/2800/Housing-Action-Plan.
Staff Contact:
George Winn
Policy and Outreach Planner
Cowlitz County Building and Planning
(360) 577-3052 Ext. 1-6664
winng@co.cowlitz.wa.us