The Olympia Land Use and Environment Committee weighed a series of policy proposals on Thursday, Nov. 21 aimed at further improving tenant protections and creating new pathways to homeownership.
The recommendations build on the city’s existing rental protection program to address housing affordability and stability concerns. No action was taken at this meeting.
Rental screening
One of the proposals would adjust the income-to-rent ratio requirements for rental applications, making it difficult for low and moderate-income residents to qualify for rental housing in the city.
Olympia Housing Program specialist Christa Lenssen noted that a full-time minimum wage worker in Thurston County earns around $34,000 annually, qualifying them for rents below $950 per month…