Mayors from Auburn to Mercer Island unite against House Bill 1380 on homelessness policy

The House Housing Committee meeting on January 21, 2025, featured significant opposition to House Bill 1380, which aims to standardize regulations regarding homelessness across local jurisdictions. Several mayors from different cities voiced their concerns, emphasizing the need for local control and tailored solutions to address homelessness effectively.

Nancy Backus, the mayor of Auburn, argued that a one-size-fits-all approach does not meet the unique public health and safety needs of individual communities. She highlighted Auburn's successful investment of $1 million in wraparound services for the unsheltered, stating that local ordinances should encourage individuals to seek help rather than criminalize their status.

Jeff Wagner, mayor of Covington, echoed these sentiments, expressing worries about the bill's potential impact on public safety and resource allocation. He noted that while the bill addresses important issues, it could lead to increased litigation and administrative burdens for urban cities.

Armando Ploney, mayor of Renton, also opposed the bill, stating that it could divert resources away from addressing the root causes of homelessness. He urged legislators to collaborate with cities to find effective solutions rather than imposing regulations that may not work for every community.

Lisa Beaton, deputy city manager of Kennewick, reinforced the opposition by detailing local initiatives aimed at combating homelessness, including partnerships for substance use treatment and housing projects. She criticized the bill for lacking clear definitions and conflicting with existing local ordinances.

Overall, the meeting underscored a strong consensus among local leaders that House Bill 1380 could hinder their ability to manage homelessness effectively and called for more localized approaches to address the crisis. The committee will need to consider these concerns as they move forward with the legislative process.