Anacortes wins Smart Community Award for innovative housing plan

The city of Anacortes has been recognized for its innovative approach to housing, receiving the Governor's Smart Community Award for 2024. This accolade, one of only twelve awarded this year, honors the city's housing action plan, which was developed through extensive community engagement, including over 1,000 survey responses. The plan aims to guide Anacortes in updating its comprehensive plan over the next decade, introducing new city ordinances to accommodate diverse housing types.

In addition to housing initiatives, the Burroughs Island Light Station has been officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Originally completed in 1906, the light station served as a manned facility until 1972, when it was replaced by a modern unmanned navigational beacon.

The city is also advancing its commitment to accessibility with a new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) transition plan aimed at removing barriers in public rights of way, particularly at curb ramps and pedestrian crossings. Public comments on this initiative are currently being solicited.

During the recent Housing, Affordability, and Community Services Committee meeting, members discussed the challenges faced by youth in securing housing. Guest speaker Adaire Brown from Northwest Youth Services highlighted the difficulties young individuals encounter, such as lack of credit and employment history, which complicate their housing prospects. The organization provides essential support, including job skills training and assistance with rental applications, while also addressing the needs of vulnerable youth, including those in unsafe situations or transitioning out of foster care.

Despite their efforts, the organization faces challenges due to management changes in local apartment complexes, which have increasingly been sold to corporations less invested in the community. Nonetheless, Northwest Youth Services continues to provide critical outreach and support, ensuring that young people have access to basic necessities and safe spaces.