Registrants will receive a link to watch the recording online as many times as they would like. However, this recording link may expire three months from the date of registration. We cannot guarantee it will be available after those three months.

General Information

• Cost: $45.00 (sales tax included)
• Recording Duration: 88 Minutes
• Broadcast Date: February 20, 2024
• Credits Available for Self-Reporting: 1.5 CML

Webinar Overview

Providing affordable housing is a growing challenge for communities throughout Washington State. There isn’t a singular solution to the current housing crisis, so local governments are having to employ as many techniques and strategies as possible. One potential strategy is for public entities to use their surplus properties to encourage the construction of new affordable housing. While this strategy may seem simple at first, it is more difficult than one might think. This webinar is intended to provide a good introduction to the concept of using surplus public land for affordable housing and the steps needed to implement such an approach.

Educational Objectives

This webinar will provide valuable information on:

• How using surplus public property can fit into a community’s vision, comprehensive plan, and Housing Action and Implementation Plan.
• What is meant by the terms “surplus real property” and “public benefit.”
• State laws that explicitly allow for the disposal of surplus public property.
• Best practices for identifying surplus properties suitable for affordable housing.
• Tips on establishing a successful program at the local government level and setting realistic expectations.
• Importance of cross-department coordination and multi-agency partnerships.

Presenters

• Samya Lutz, AICP, Housing & Services Program Manager, City of Bellingham. 
• Kate Newell, GISP, Senior GIS Analyst, City of Bellingham.
• Amanda Beck, AICP, Planner II, City of Spokane. 
• Jesse Bank, Executive Director, Northeast Public Development Authority, Spokane. 
• Krosbie Carter, MPA, Policy Advisor, Office of the Commissioner of Public Lands, Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
• Robin Hammill, Assistant Division Manager, Acquisitions and Divestitures, Upland Strategic Planning, Washington State Department of Natural Resources.