The Kennewick City Council convened on June 3, 2025, to address several key ordinances aimed at refining local governance and enhancing community housing initiatives. The meeting began with a discussion on an ordinance concerning residency requirements for members of the Kennewick Public Facilities District Board.

City Clerk read the ordinance by title, which was described as a housekeeping measure. Staff reported that the ordinance clarifies that board members do not need to be residents of Kennewick, a detail that had been overlooked in previous municipal code updates. The council unanimously adopted the ordinance with a vote of 7-0, streamlining the governance of the Public Facilities District.

The council then moved on to a second ordinance focused on affordable housing within the public facility zone. The city had previously adopted an ordinance in January 2023 to allow affordable housing in these zones. Staff provided an update on a collaborative project with the Kennewick Housing Authority, which aims to develop 58 affordable multifamily units on land previously owned by the city.

The project will utilize the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program to attract investors for funding. However, existing municipal code requirements posed challenges, as they mandated that the Kennewick Housing Authority or another public agency must own the completed structures. To address this, the council proposed an amendment to the code, allowing for residential developments to be owned and operated by a limited liability partnership that includes the housing authority and investors. This amendment is crucial for securing necessary funding and ensuring the project's viability.

The council's discussions highlighted a commitment to improving local governance and addressing housing needs in Kennewick. Both ordinances reflect ongoing efforts to adapt municipal regulations to better serve the community's interests. The meeting concluded with a clear path forward for both initiatives, emphasizing the council's proactive approach to governance and community development.