Thurston Regional Housing Council Special May Meeting May 14, 2026

The Thurston Regional Housing Council held a special meeting on May 14, 2026, focused primarily on the allocation and management of state-provided Homeless Services Encampment Resolution Program (ERP) funding for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The council reviewed funding requests from various housing projects, including Maple Court, France Anderson Tiny Home Village (Sandy's Flats), Lotus Court, and others, with a total funding request of approximately $5.3 million out of a $5.5 million state allocation. The council discussed three options for the remaining unallocated $290,000: immediate proportional distribution to existing projects, deferral to allow further planning and development of a transition plan for a large encampment (the "jungle"), and exploring a global leasing pilot program to increase housing capacity without large capital investments. Members expressed support for deferring the decision on the remaining funds to allow more time for planning and community engagement, including incorporating lived experience input. A motion was made and approved to fund the existing projects as requested, while directing staff to further explore options two and three and report back in future meetings. The council emphasized the importance of thoughtful, inclusive planning and the need to monitor future state funding stability.