2017-2037 Comp Plan Update Enabling Ordinance with Exhibit A

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KITTITAS COUNTY Page 29 Comprehensive Plan HOUSING INTRODUCTION Housing impacts the character of our region; helps to define our quality of life; and plays an important role in both state and local economies. The purpose of this element is to describe Kittitas County’s goals and policies for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing, and the mechanisms that will lead to affordable housing opportunities at all economic levels of the population. This chapter identifies existing housing conditions and needs within Kittitas County, while anticipating housing needs for the period of 2017-2037. Included at the end of this element is a stated list of goals and policies to preserve existing housing stock, promote a variety of residential densities, and encourage the availability of affordable housing for all economic segments of the community. In accordance with the Growth Management Act, this element ensures the vitality and character of established residential neighborhoods, encourage the availability of affordable housing for all demographics, promote a variety of residential densities and housing types, and encourage preservation of existing and historical housing stock. Element Organization The Housing Element consists of three main sections. The first section, “Housing Conditions and Needs,” includes statistics, which support the County’s housing goals and policies. It summarizes existing housing conditions and projected housing needs within the County. It focuses on inventory data, which supports the County’s policy objectives and general approach on growth management. The second section, “Housing Goals,” presents a general set of comprehensive goals to guide in the implementation of the comprehensive plan. The final section, “Housing Policies,” consists of a set of policies designed to help in the implementation and adherence to the Housing Element, with special consideration given to future opportunities and unforeseeable outcomes that may arise. HOUSING CONDITIONS AND NEEDS To effectively plan for the housing needs of Kittitas County’s current and future residents, it is necessary to assess the existing housing conditions and needs within the County. This section describes the number, type and character of housing units within Kittitas County. It also describes the population of Kittitas County as it relates to existing and future housing availability. A significant portion of the data contained herein comes from the U. S. Bureau of Census 2010-2015 5-year estimates, Washington State Employment Security Department, and the 2017 Office of Financial Management estimates. Other information in this section comes from published reports regarding Kittitas County housing needs and population, and from housing studies completed by cities and subareas within the County.