Washingtoner - 'Home in Tacoma' Sparks 62% Increase in Number of Proposed Housing Units in First Year

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~ The City of Tacoma has recently released its Year One review of the Home in Tacoma initiative, showcasing significant progress in housing development and a wider range of housing options for residents. This initiative, which was adopted as a key component of the City's Affordable Housing Action Strategy, aims to make housing more affordable for Tacoma residents.

According to Mayor Anders Ibsen, the City is taking urgent action to address the issue of affordable housing. "We're proud of our progress in expanding home ownership and adding more housing options in our neighborhoods," he stated. "But we are not letting up."

One of the main changes brought about by Home in Tacoma is the replacement of citywide single-family zoning with flexible Urban Residential zones (UR-1, UR-2, and UR-3). These zones are designed to accommodate smaller and more affordable housing types.

In its first year of implementation (February 2025 - January 2026), the City saw a 39% increase in permit applications and a 62% increase in proposed housing units within these specific zones. This growth is particularly noteworthy considering the overall slowdown in permitting activity across the region.

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It should be noted that this data only reflects growth within Home in Tacoma zones and does not include residential development in Downtown Tacoma or designated Mixed-Use Centers, which operate under different zoning frameworks. However, it does highlight a clear shift towards "missing middle" housing.

While single-family homes and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) remain popular choices, townhouses, duplexes, and multi-family projects are now generating the highest number of proposed units in areas that were previously restricted to single-family detached houses. This new development is also evenly distributed across Tacoma's Urban Residential zones, promoting shared growth and opportunities throughout the city's diverse neighborhoods.

The majority (40%) of permits are located in the North End and Eastside areas, with higher housing density (by number of units) in the Eastside (25%), West End (21%), and South End (18%).

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Currently, 92% of the Year One applications are in the process of being permitted and constructed, with the City anticipating a steady delivery of completed homes in the coming years. However, the City is also keeping a close eye on broader market challenges such as national interest rates and construction costs, which can impact builder timelines.

To provide transparency and updates on housing production and permitting trends, the City will be launching a public-facing Home in Tacoma Online Data Dashboard in mid-2026. This dashboard will provide quarterly updates for residents to stay informed.

For more information on Home in Tacoma, including the full Year One report, visit tacoma.gov/homeintacoma. The City remains committed to addressing affordable housing and will continue to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to ensure that all residents have access to safe and affordable housing options.

Filed Under: Government, City

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