Regional Housing Council agrees to press for flexibility as state ERP funding falls and considers short-term award to Olympia

Staff presented the history and current status of the Encampment Resolution Program (ERP), noting the region received about $9 million in 2024 but was allocated roughly $5.5 million in 2025, forcing difficult operational decisions for ERP-funded projects. Tom Webster said ERP-funded projects in the region include Quint Street Village, Maple Court, Sandy's Flats and Unity Commons; jurisdictions and providers have signaled concern about sustainability if Commerce limits or shifts allowable uses.

City of Olympia staff said they need $400,000 to maintain Quint Street Village operations through June and an additional $850,000 next fiscal year to sustain programming. Staff proposed a four-step approach: 1) draft a letter from RHC to jurisdiction leaders urging advocacy for ERP flexibility; 2) recommend awarding $400,000 of excess 2025 local revenues to Olympia for the current fiscal year; 3) ask the Homeless Services Advisory Board (HASAB) to vet next year’s estimated $450,000 and recommend allocation; 4) request OHHP to lead a prioritization of local homeless-response projects in case of future funding loss.

Council members asked for more time to consult with their councils and requested detailed financial breakdowns. Several jurisdictions, including Olympia, Jay and others, emphasized the need to decide quickly on the immediate $400,000 to avoid monthly uncertainty. Members expressed support for drafting the advocacy letter immediately; staff said they would circulate a draft for email review and sign-off. Members also agreed to bring additional financial detail and to return the funding request to the February agenda for a final decision if needed.

No formal vote was held yet on the $400,000 award; staff will draft the letter to mayors and jurisdictions for prompt review and circulate additional funding details and scenario modeling ahead of the next meeting.