HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.05.15 PC Meeting PacketAGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
City Hall - Council Chambers
525 North Third Avenue
Pasco, Washington
THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025
6:30 PM
This meeting is broadcast live on PSC-TV Channel 191 on Charter Cable and streamed at www.pasco-wa.com/psctvlive.
Audio equipment available for the hearing impaired; contact staff for assistance.
Please silence your cell phones. Thank you.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGENCE
III. ROLL CALL: Declaration of Quorum
IV. WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• Meeting Minutes from March 20, 2025, meeting
VI. OLD BUSINESS
• Project Updates:
o Comp Plan
o Transportation System Master Plan
o Regional Climate Planning/GHG Plan
o Energy Resilience Study
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
• 2025-2029 Tri-Cities Assessment of Fair Housing
The Tri-Cities HOME Consortium (“the Consortium”) conducts a comprehensive fair housing
planning process every five years to assess barriers to equitable housing access within the
region. This process is designed to identify the unique challenges faced by individuals who
encounter disproportionate housing obstacles due to specific characteristics protected under
federal and state fair housing laws.
VIII. WORKSHOP
None
IX. OTHER BUSINESS
• Introduction of Director Miller to Planning Commission
• June meeting date moved back a week due to holiday
X. ADJOURNMENT
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
City Hall - Council Chambers
525 North Third Avenue
Pasco, Washington
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025
6:30 PM
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 3 March 20, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
City of Pasco Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m., by Chair Jerry Cochran.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Cochran led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Rosa Torres, Pat Jones, Kim Lehrman, Dana Crutchfield, and Jay Hendler, and
Jerry Cochran, a quorum was declared.
Commissioners Excused: Rachel Teel
Staff Present: Community & Economic Development Deputy Director Craig Raymond, Community
Development Block Grant Administrator Kristin Webb, Administrative Assistant II Carmen Patrick
DECLARATIONS
Chair Cochran asked if there were any Planning Commission members who have a declaration at this time
regarding any of the items on the agenda.
No declarations were heard.
Chair Cochran asked if anyone in the audience objected to any Planning Commission member hearing any
of the items on the agenda.
No declarations were heard.
Chair Cochran stated the Planning Commission needed and valued public input explaining it helped the
Commission understand the issues more clearly and allowed for better recommendations to City Council.
Furthermore, in many cases, this could be the only forum for the public to get facts and opinions placed into
the official record and City Council will use to make the Commission’s decision. He encouraged those
present to take full advantage of this opportunity.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Jones moved to approval of minutes from the February 20, 2025, meeting, seconded by
Commissioner Crutchfield, with amendment made to page 3, paragraph 4 comments from “Fellow
questioners” to “Fellow Commissioners”.
OLD BUSINESS
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
• 2024 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) BGAP2025-001
Staff presented the 2024 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), a federally
required document outlining how HUD funds, including CDBG and HOME, were used during the
program year. The CAPER tracks progress on community development goals and supports transparency
in federal fund use. This year’s report concludes the 2020–2024 Consolidated Plan period and will help
shape the next strategic plan.
Key points from the presentation included:
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 March 20, 2025
• CDBG Funding Breakdown (2024):
• Housing: 32% (largest share)
• Section 108 Loan Repayment: significant portion for Peanuts Park
• Economic Development: 19%
• Infrastructure/Public Facilities: 11% (COVID funds)
• Public Services: 3%
• Administration/Planning: 11%
• Total expenditures: $1.1 million
Next Steps:
• Public hearing to gather input
• Final edits (if any), City Manager signature
• Submission to HUD via IDIS by March 31, 2025
• HUD will review and respond within 60 days
Staff emphasized the importance of public engagement and compliance in closing out the program year
and invited questions before requesting the Chair to open the public hearing.
Commissioner Comments/Questions:
Commissioner Jones inquired about administrative costs and was informed that the program’s
administrative expenses are modest compared to similar programs. These funds cover staff training,
certification maintenance, and office supplies. He also asked about the Section 108 loan and was advised
that it is a CDBG-backed loan with a 16-year repayment term. Also, was told there are no higher
incomes levels due to HUD being for low and moderate incomes and must be income qualified.
Commissioner Torres asked if historical percentage data could be added to the report. Kristin Webb
explained that while the CAPER format is standardized by HUD, additional information can be included
in the staff report.
Commissioner Crutchfield inquired about the impact of past protocols no longer being in place and
whether that could affect future HUD funding. Kristin Webb clarified that as an entitlement community,
the city will continue to receive funding as long as HUD guidelines are followed.
Chair Cochran asked about partial draws, Kristin Webb explained that the agreements don’t come until
late fall so they turn them in one at a time and usually close out the previous year in January or
February.
Kristin Webb assured the Commission she would add the information requested on the staff report in the
future.
Chair Cochran opened the meeting for public comment, there were none.
Commissioner Lehrman moved to close the public hearing and recommend the City Manager
Approve the 2024 Consolidated Annual Plan Evaluation Report as presented. Commissioner Jones
seconded; motion passed unanimously.
WORSHOP
None
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3 March 20, 2025
OTHER BUSINESS
Craig Raymond told the Commission that the city is close to getting a number of projects under contract and
will be giving an update next month.
Informed the Commission that the city has hired a new Community and Economic Development director
and will be introduced soon.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Cochran stated with no other business, I recommend a motion to adjourn.
Commissioner Jones made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Torres, motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 6:58 pm.
YouTube link to watch full meeting: Pasco Planning Commission March 20, 2025 - YouTube
Respectfully submitted,
Carmen Patrick, Administrative Assistant II
Community & Economic Development Department
REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION
City Hall – 525 North Third Avenue
MAY 15, 2025
6:30 PM
1
To: Planning Commission
From: Kristin Webb, Block Grant Administrator
Subject: 2025-2029 TRI-CITIES ASSESSMENT OF FAIR HOUSING
Background
The Tri-Cities HOME Consortium (“the Consortium”) conducts a comprehensive fair housing
planning process every five years to assess barriers to equitable housing access within the region.
This process is designed to identify the unique challenges faced by individuals who encounter
disproportionate housing obstacles due to specific characteristics protected under federal and state
fair housing laws.
Protected classes under these laws include race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status,
disability, veteran status, marital status, and age. While every individual belongs to one or more
protected classes, certain subgroups—such as racial and ethnic minorities, seniors, individuals with
disabilities, or families with children—often face heightened difficulties in accessing housing that is
safe, affordable, and appropriate to their needs.
As part of this planning effort, the Consortium conducted an in-depth analysis of U.S. Census data,
local and state policies, and community input. The resulting document, known as the Assessment of
Fair Housing (AFH), summarizes the findings and outlines regional trends, community needs, fair
housing laws, access to opportunity, and reported instances of housing discrimination.
The AFH identifies key impediments to fair housing within the Tri-Cities and provides actionable
strategies the Consortium will implement to address and mitigate these barriers.
Key Findings
The Tri-Cities HOME Consortium conducted a comprehensive analysis of demographics, income,
housing conditions, transportation, local policies, and fair housing complaints. This analysis focused
on populations that often face barriers to housing access. The findings are summarized below:
Community Needs and Trends
• Demographics: In 2022, 32% of residents identified as non-White, 15% were foreign-born,
14% lived with a disability, and 36% of households had children. Additionally, 14% of the
population was over the age of 65—groups that may experience disproportionate housing
challenges.
• Income and Poverty: Median income levels were lower, and poverty rates higher, among
Black, Hispanic, senior, and foreign-born households compared to citywide averages.
• Housing Cost Burden: In 2020, 45% of severely cost-burdened owner-occupied households
included at least one elderly member, indicating elevated housing affordability concerns for
seniors.
• Homeownership: While homeownership rates generally increased between 2017 and 2022,
they declined slightly for Black or African American households.
• Homelessness: Individuals with disabilities were significantly overrepresented among those
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experiencing homelessness—44% compared to 14% in the general population.
• Education: Disparities in educational attainment persist. In 2022, only 64% of Hispanic and
79% of Asian residents held a high school diploma, compared to 92% of White residents.
Bachelor's degree attainment was also notably lower among Hispanic (12%) and Black
(28%) residents than among White residents (32%).
Access to Opportunity
• Geographic Features & Migration: The Columbia River separates Pasco from Kennewick
and Richland, contributing to both physical and economic divides. Over 60% of residents
commute between cities for work, services, and recreation.
• Concentrated Poverty: Two census tracts in Pasco qualify as Racially or Ethnically
Concentrated Areas of Poverty (R/ECAPs).
• Transportation Access: Challenges for specific populations include limited weekend/holiday
service, language barriers, and accessibility needs.
Policy and System Review
• Zoning and Rental Codes: All three cities support inclusive zoning practices and adhere to
the Washington State Landlord-Tenant Act.
• Accessible Housing Supply: Of the 470 assisted units managed regionally in 2024, only 280
were considered accessible—insufficient to meet growing demand.
• Housing Finance: Racial and ethnic minorities, women, and seniors were less likely to apply
for loans. Common denial reasons included credit history and debt-to-income ratio.
Evidence of Housing Discrimination
• Complaints: Between 2019 and 2024, 28 complaints were filed with the state and six with
HUD. Disability was the most frequently cited basis.
• Feedback from Fair Housing Organizations: Stakeholders emphasized the importance of
education, testing, and outreach to promote fair housing awareness and compliance.
Identified Impediments to Fair Housing
1. Limited supply of affordable housing.
2. Insufficient accessible housing for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
3. Low public awareness of fair housing rights and landlord obligations.
4. Language access barriers for non-English speakers.
5. Transportation gaps impacting access to essential services.
Proposed Actions (2025–2029)
1. Increase Affordable Housing Supply
• Continue partnerships with housing authorities to expand affordable housing.
• Promote the Down Payment Assistance Program through multilingual outreach channels.
2. Expand Accessible Housing
• Support owner-occupied rehabilitation programs in all cities.
• Investigate the use of HOME funds to retrofit homes for accessibility.
• Promote accessible building standards among developers.
• Advocate for ADU-friendly policies and development.
3. Promote Fair Housing Awareness
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• Host fair housing trainings for nonprofits and landlords.
• Collaborate with local housing authorities on resident education programs.
4. Improve Language Access
• Translate program documents and utilize interpreter services.
• Partner with nonprofits to assess language access needs and resources.
5. Enhance Transportation Connectivity
• Coordinate with Ben Franklin Transit to support student pass programs.
• Advance bike and pedestrian infrastructure projects.
• Upgrade crosswalks to meet accessibility standards.
Recommendation
Please review the draft 2025-2029 Tri-Cities Assessment of Fair Housing and provide direction to
staff for additional needs or recommend forwarding to City Council for approval as submitted or as
amended.
Motion
I move the Planning Commission close the public hearing on 2025-2029 Tri-Cities Assessment of
Fair Housing. I further move that the Planning Commission forward comments or recommendations
as presented (or amended) to City Council for Consideration.
Attachments
Draft 2025-2029 Tri-Cities Assessment of Fair Housing