Walla Walla transfers surplus land to nonprofit for affordable housing

WALLA WALLA — City of Walla Walla officials have authorized negotiations to transfer surplus municipal land to a local nonprofit for affordable housing, addressing a widespread residential shortage.

The Walla Walla City Council authorized staff to negotiate an agreement with the Blue Mountain Action Council (BMAC) to develop a city-owned lot at Fifth Avenue and Sumach Street. BMAC’s proposed project, named Hope Housing, is a two-story, L-shaped building featuring six to eight studio and one-bedroom units.

The units will be reserved for households earning 80 percent or less of the area median income. BMAC’s plan includes ground-floor units built to universal design standards to support seniors and residents with disabilities, with one or two units set aside for families saving for a down payment on their first home. The project will include a long-term deed restriction requiring the homes to remain affordable for 35 years.

“BMAC is very honored to be selected to receive this surplus lot,” BMAC CEO Danielle Garbe Reser said. “We look forward to partnering with the city, neighbors, and our community to provide more safe, reliable, and affordable homes.”

The decision followed an evaluation of three nonprofit proposals by a council subcommittee and the Housing Ad-Hoc Committee. The initiative aligns with municipal efforts to expand housing options through zoning revisions and relaxed standards for accessory dwelling units.

“We hope this collaborative process will be a template we can use again in the future to help increase the supply of housing,” Deputy City Manager Preston Frederickson said.

Final agreement terms will be returned to the Walla Walla City Council for approval. Design and construction are expected to take about two years.

Photo above from the city of Walla Walla shows the lot at Fifth Avenue (foreground) and Sumach Street where Hope Housing will be developed.

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Elkhorn Media Group