Thurston Regional Housing Council meeting April 22, 2026

The Thurston Regional Housing Council meeting held on April 22, 2026, focused extensively on affordable housing funding allocations, contract awards, and procurement processes. The council reviewed and approved the 2026 work plan updates, including new regional housing outcome reporting and evaluation projects. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the 2026 Affordable Housing Request for Proposal (RFP), with approximately $9.6 million available from federal and local sources. The Affordable Housing Advisory Board recommended full funding for all eligible proposals, totaling nearly $7 million, including additional funds to support the City of Olympia's Quinn Street Tiny Home Village. The council approved these funding recommendations and also discussed the 2029 affordable housing pipeline and homeless services RFPs, with funding allocations and project prioritization. The meeting included deliberations on process improvements, including transitioning to in-person meetings starting June 2026, and considerations for hybrid meeting formats to accommodate accessibility and participation. Several motions related to funding awards and procedural changes were passed, with some members abstaining to emphasize the need for greater elected official involvement in funding decisions. Overall, the meeting addressed key procurement decisions for affordable housing and homeless services projects, emphasizing transparency, strategic prioritization, and community needs.