The Kenmore City Council unanimously approved $44,921 for 2020 for its contribution to ARCH (A Regional Coalition for Housing) at its Dec. 9 meeting, up from $29,793 in 2019.
The increase is largely due to additional staffing for monitoring of compliance in home ownership projects funded by the agency, following a review commissioned by the executive board.
In Kenmore, ARCH monitors rental/ownership housing projects like the Copper Lantern (which provides rental and ownership units), Heron Landing (senior rental housing) and Spencer 68 (rental units). According to ARCH executive director Lindsay Masters, who spoke at the meeting, some areas the organization would like to focus on in Kenmore include transit-oriented development and ongoing production through incentive programs.
ARCH is public organization created by cities in East King County to assist member cities with developing and administering local affordable housing programs. ARCH is now seeking residents in East King County for its Citizen Advisory Board (CAB). The CAB consists of twelve to fifteen community residents and housing professionals that work with ARCH staff to evaluate local housing funding proposals and increase awareness of housing issues on the Eastside.
Board members contribute their understanding of housing and community issues, as well as certain specialized perspectives including real estate, housing development, design, planning, finance, legal, assisting persons with low income or special needs, faith community, racial diversity, and residents of affordable housing.
The CAB also strives to be representative of the Eastside communities that make up ARCH. The CAB typically meets one Wednesday evening per month for two hours.
More information about ARCH and the ARCH Citizen Advisory Board is on the ARCH website: www.archhousing.org.  To apply, please contact Jessie Tang (jtang@bellevuewa.gov) or Arthur Sullivan (asullivan@bellevuewa.gov) or call: (425) 861-3677.
Sources: Bothell-Kenmore Reporter and Kenmore City ARCH program webpage
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