Island County Buys Apartments, Expands Affordable Housing Plans

Island County took concrete steps on November 24 to increase affordable housing on Whidbey Island and Camano Island by approving close to one million dollars to buy and renovate a six unit apartment at 1 NW Sixth Street in Coupeville. Commissioners also authorized pursuit of a conditional purchase agreement for a property on Southeast Fidalgo Avenue in Oak Harbor, with any acquisition contingent on a feasibility analysis that would determine whether the site could be developed for apartments.

The county is drawing primarily on revenue from a 0.1 percent affordable housing sales tax adopted in 2022 under state House Bill 1590. Officials reported there is roughly four million dollars in that account. The county has also backed projects using American Rescue Plan Act funds and document recording fee revenues, creating a patchwork of local sources to support multiple initiatives.

Recent county supported projects provide context for the new purchases. Mulberry Village, developed by the Opportunity Council, will add about 80 units. Camas Flats will contribute 81 units. Smaller projects include Generations Place in Langley and several Habitat for Humanity builds. Commissioners said the board weighed tradeoffs between buying existing units and building new inventory, and concluded that conversions of existing buildings can be more cost effective in the face of rising construction costs.

The immediate local impact is practical and timely. Purchasing an existing six unit building can preserve or quickly add affordable units to the housing stock, offering faster occupancy than new construction. The conditional agreement in Oak Harbor, if found feasible, could further expand rental options in a city where demand is growing. For residents seeking affordable housing, these moves signal the county is prioritizing near term additions while continuing to plan for larger projects.

Looking ahead, the county will complete the feasibility analysis for the Oak Harbor parcel and move forward with repairs and tenancy plans in Coupeville. The funding balance in the affordable housing sales tax account and supplemental revenues will shape how many additional acquisitions or developments the county can support in the coming year.