Housing in Ellensburg

Single Family2 Opens in new window The City of Ellensburg recognizes the importance of affordable housing in fostering a healthy and livable community. In Ellensburg employment wages have not kept up with the rising costs of housing leading to many residences paying more than 30% of their income on monthly rent or mortgage, and basic utilities. The City's interactive housing website details the latest data on housing needs and affordability in Ellensburg.

The City is committed to helping provide safe and attainable housing for all members of the community through the City's funding, policy, and partnership efforts.

Creating Affordable Housing

The Affordable Housing Commission welcomes applications for eligible projects. To be considered for possible funding of your project by the City of Ellensburg, start by submitting a Creating Affordable Housing Application. Once proposals have been reviewed and determined complete by Community Development staff, they will be presented to the Affordable Housing Commission for consideration and direction at an early, conceptual development stage. This will allow both the developer and staff to receive timely direction as how to best proceed with such proposals. This process allows developers the ability to propose affordable housing projects with concepts and property identified by them and under timelines unique to their proposal.  

Here are some things to consider when completing an affordable housing application

Affordable Housing Commission

The Affordable Housing Commission administers the revenues generated by the sales tax for housing and related services. The Commission meets the 1st Wednesday of each month and the 3rd Wednesday as needed from 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm in City Council Chambers.

Background

On November 7, 2017 Ellensburg voters approved a 0.1% sales tax for housing and related services. Consistent with RCW 82.14.530, these funds will be allocated to projects that create new affordable housing in Ellensburg. Eligible uses of funds includes costs associated with property acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation for projects that will serve target population groups earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income.

Pursuant to RCW 39.33.15 and Ellensburg City Code Chapter 2.06, the City of Ellensburg has identified two City-owned sites (total of three parcels) available for affordable housing development proposals that serve residents earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income.

Housing Organizations

The primary providers of affordable housing or rental assistance in our community are:

  • HopeSource - Community Action Agency, visit the www.hopesource.us or call: 509-925-1448
  • Kittitas County Habitat for Humanity - visit www.kchabitat.org or call: 509-818-1997
  • Kittitas County Housing Authority - Phone: 509-962-9006