During a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding a new housing mandate in Washington state, which some officials view as a potential social experiment. The discussion highlighted that Washington is among a select few states implementing such a mandate, with Oregon being the only other state to have enacted a similar statewide requirement.

One participant expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these mandates, referencing Oregon's recent implementation and questioning the quality of data supporting its success. They noted that California has specific housing requirements but does not match the breadth of Washington's or Oregon's mandates.

The speaker emphasized the lack of precedent for such widespread housing mandates across the United States, suggesting that the limited examples available may indicate underlying issues that other states have recognized. They voiced concerns about the implications of the mandate, describing it as an imposition from the state legislature that could have unintended consequences for local jurisdictions, particularly in Puyallup.

While acknowledging the good intentions behind the mandate, the speaker cautioned against viewing it as a definitive solution to housing challenges. They suggested that while some aspects of the mandate, such as promoting higher-density townhomes, could be beneficial, the overall approach feels experimental and may not yield positive results. The participant concluded by questioning whether local leaders have the courage to oppose such mandates in the future, reflecting a broader apprehension about the direction of housing policy in the state.