Addressing the lack of housing

DAYTON-The Port of Columbia Commissioners heard a housing presentation, data analysis from 2020 census, and other Port business during the monthly regular meeting on May 11.

It was given by representatives of the Community Council located in Walla Walla where they presented data for Columbia County. Port asset and project updates were also provided by Executive Director Jennie Dickinson along with economic development highlights.

Three Community Council representatives presented data they compiled and analyzed of the local housing market and from the recent release of the 2020 Census. They first shared that the standard definition of affordable housing is that housing and utilities total no more than 30% of the gross income. Higher than that is considered cost burdened and if the costs total 50% of the gross income, households are severely cost burdened.

In 2020, in Columbia County the median household income (one person or more unrelated people living together) was over $60,000 and median family income (two or more related people living together) was just over $90,000. The affordable housing cost for each income level is $224,000 and $329,000, respectively. The 2021 median sales price for homes in the County was $256,000 with an annual income needed of $73,000 to be considered affordable.

Data shows that the number of cost-burdened and severely cost-burdened households in the County decreased 25% from 2015-2020 with the greatest decrease in the former group. The lower the income, the greater the burden. Renters and homeowners both saw a decreased burden that was more significantly seen for renters. Homes available by affordable price to income go down significantly as income decreases.

In those same years, income did not increase (25%) with the cost of housing (105%). Data shows there is a shortage of smaller homes (half of what is needed) to rent or own for single and double occupants resulting in them living in larger homes than what they need. In contrast, there are double the amount of larger occupancy homes than those who need them. This can impact the ability of County residents to find appropriate and affordable housing for their needs. When more recent data is available, it is expected it will reflect some changes seen in the market because of recent inflation.

Commissioner Seth Bryan thought the Port could investigate using the Port owned Bell Farm property for housing where there currently is single renter in the farmhouse on the 6.9 acres. He suggested the possibility of attracting an investor to purchase the land which would bring some revenue to the Port. Commission Chair Genie Crowe affirmed it would be putting the land to better use. Commissioner Johnny Watts added that all Port property should be considered.

Dickinson wasn’t sure what the Port’s role could be in bringing affordable housing to the community since that is what the City and County usually do, but she said later, “I was happy to hear that the Port Commission understands how important housing availability and affordability is to the Port’s economic development mission...I believe Ports can sell land for the purpose of housing development, but I am unaware of any legislative authority that allows Ports to be involved with housing construction or the extension of utilities for housing.” She added that she plans to see what the options are for the Port to help.

Dickinson presented updates on Port assets and projects. Two applications are being reviewed for the final Innovia grant funds for local start-up businesses. The broadband fiber for the project was purchased under budget which is schedule for delivery in July and keeps the project on track for beginning construction. In the meantime, she plans to focus on getting information about the project out to the community. Despite the recent vote to not pursue funding for the Touchet Valley Trail until it is placed on the ballot, Dickinson said Anderson Perry will continue working on the trail design. If completed before public voting takes place, the design will be ready should the Commission decide to proceed.

Chairperson Crowe then shared a letter to those in attendance at the April 13 meeting where she apologized “for the disservice on the way the issue was presented” to those in attendance for the lengthy meeting in part due to the extended public comment period, the professionals who have worked on the trail, including Dickinson and not having the time to allow them to answer Commissioner Bryans concerns, and to Commissioner Bryan for not providing an opportunity for his concerns to be answered. She claimed responsibility for running a “time efficient meeting.” She asked without the intent to reprimand that all “we three Commissioners come to the meetings with all questions and concerns asked AND answered by our experts beforehand so that we can be confident we’re making the best‐informed decision.” She went on to say that in her position she leans on the experts to present information and answers pertaining the project. She closed voicing confidence in the Commission to “do good things for Columbia County.”

She then read a letter to the Port from Brian Hanson of Anderson Perry answering the various concerns related to the project design by Commissioner Bryan. Of these, maintenance needs and costs were addressed, Port ownership along the rail right of way was clarified along with funding requirements for the grants from WSDOT and Recreation and Conservation Office. The full letter will be available on the trail page of the Port website.

Bryan answered both letters by saying, “I make no apologies for my decisions.” Crowe interjected to say she was not looking for an apology. Bryan went on to explain that he was provided the information he needed which formed his concerns and led him to make his decision.