Pierce County’s 2022 Housing Action strategy estimated the region would need to produce, on average, more than 2,300 units of affordable housing per year through the year 2044 to meet its growing housing needs.

Three years later, we are not close to staying on pace. Since 2023, 901 units of deed-restricted affordable housing have been created, according to the county.

Advocates and developers say affordable housing faces a host of challenges that slow down or prevent development.

Without tax breaks and subsidies, many projects would not financially pencil out for developers.

Even with the programs and resources offered by local, state and federal governments, developing and preserving truly affordable housing can be an uphill battle.

According to the county’s Housing Action Strategy,

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