AWHA
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Legislative
Advocacy

Housing Authorities are greatly affected by State and Federal legislation. AWHA advocates on behalf of the 37 Washington Housing Authorities by supporting legislation that increases that supply of affordable housing through increased local, state, and federal funding. We support policies that support low-income families across our state so they can live happy and healthy lives.


Federal Legislative Priorities

Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)
The LIHTC program is the biggest funding source in Washington and across the country used to build affordable housing. The LIHTC incentivizes developers to include affordable housing units in the buildings, housing thousands of Washington families. AWHA continues to support efforts to make the four percent tax credit permanent and increase the number of credits available.


Federal Funding
Housing Authorities are the funding conduit for many of HUD's programs. Increasing HUD funding means serving more Washington families. AWHA is asking HUD programs be funded at the following levels:
​
  • Public Housing Operating Fund:$5.4 billion
  • Public Housing Capital Fund: $5 billion          
  • Section 8 Tenant-Based HCV HAP Renewal: $21.2 billion
  • Section 8 Ongoing Administrative Fees: $2.5 billion
  • Choice Neighborhoods Initiative: $250 million

State Legislative Priorities
AWHA supports the legislature’s goal of a decent home in a healthy, safe environment for every resident of the state. We are committed to working in local communities across Washington to ensure that every family has a decent, safe, affordable home. AWHA is focused on the following priorities:

  • Increase Capital Investments in Affordable Housing
  • Increase Local Funding Options to Build Affordable Housing
  • Protect and Properly Fund Essential Programs that Serve the Most Vulnerable
  • Ensure Public Works Law Continues to Work for Affordable Housing Providers
  • Incentivize Affordable Home ownership Opportunities

AWHA is committed to working with the legislature and other organizations on sensible eviction reform legislation.

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State Legislative Agendas

Every year AWHA advocates in Olympia during the legislative session for bills benefiting member Housing Authorities and low-income families. View our past legislative agendas, below.
awha_state_legislative_agenda_2019.pdf
File Size: 408 kb
File Type: pdf
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  • Home
  • AWHA's Impact
    • Success Stories
    • Community Initiatives
    • Advocacy
  • WA Housing Crisis
  • About
  • Find a Housing Authority
  • Other Housing Resources