Bellevue lawmaker says housing will be big focus of next session

Rising home prices and inflation are making it difficult for people to find – or keep – a home in Washington state. That's why one state legislator believes housing will be a big focus of the next legislative session.

Democratic Senator Patty Kuderer from Bellevue chairs the Senate Housing Committee. She says while the Legislature works with local governments to push incentives, it’s also up to the state to create policies that incentivize affordable housing.

“In other words, let's see densification, large multi-unit developments near mass transit centers," Kuderer said. "For example, let's eliminate exclusionary zoning to allow for the development of accessory dwelling units and detached accessory dwelling units. I think that that is something that we're definitely taking a look at.”

Kuderer says the state Legislature is looking into streamlining the building permit process, and giving a homestead exemption to keep seniors and disabled people housed.

Homestead protection laws are intended to prevent homeowners from becoming homeless in the event of extreme financial hardship.