In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the implications of the 2019 law RCW 35A.63300, which mandates cities to allow increased density bonuses for affordable housing projects on land owned by religious organizations. This legislation aims to support faith-based missions focused on affordable housing while assisting cities in meeting their housing goals.

The conversation highlighted a significant shift in how religious institutions are utilizing their spaces, particularly in the wake of changes brought about by remote worship practices since 2020. As congregation patterns evolve, many places of worship are exploring opportunities to repurpose or redevelop portions of their facilities to accommodate affordable housing initiatives, all while maintaining their core function as places of worship.

This trend reflects a broader societal shift in space usage, paralleling changes in work-from-home dynamics and urban commuting patterns. The meeting underscored the potential for collaboration between religious organizations and local governments to address the pressing need for affordable housing in communities.