OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington Department of Commerce is giving nearly $3 million to 54 cities across the state to increase middle housing options in residential neighborhoods.
Commerce defines “middle housing” as duplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, courtyard apartments, cottage housing or other configurations.
“Middle housing and accessory dwelling units can increase homeownership opportunities, add to the diversity of rental housing, and allow families at every stage of life to stay in the communities they call home,” said Washington Commerce Director Mike Fong.
The full list of recipients can be found here. Local communities receiving funding include Kennewick, Walla Walla and Wenatchee which are receiving $75,000 each.
Selah is also receiving $50,000 and Tieton is getting $35,000.
A second round of funding is planned and applications for it opened on Oct. 31 with up to $1.5 million in grants up for grabs.
“These grants will help local governments to change local land zoning to allow appropriately-scaled infill development in residential neighborhoods,” said managing director of Growth Management Services at Commerce Dave Andersen.
