The City Council Voter Primary Forum for the City of Ellensburg took place on July 18, 2025, focusing on critical issues affecting the community, particularly the housing crisis. The forum provided candidates an opportunity to discuss their views and proposed solutions.

The meeting began with a brief acknowledgment of procedural guidelines, emphasizing the importance of adhering to time limits during discussions. Candidates were reminded that exceeding their allotted time would not be tolerated.

Candidate O'Mahan, who has served on the planning commission for seven years, highlighted the significant impact of the housing crisis in Ellensburg and across Washington State. She proposed three key strategies to address the issue:

1. **Inclusive Zoning Model**: O'Mahan advocated for a model that would require developers to include affordable housing in new developments, supported by both mandatory and incentive-based provisions.

2. **Changing Density Levels**: She suggested adjusting density levels for various property developments to attract builders to areas with existing housing and adequate infrastructure.

3. **Expanding ADUs**: O'Mahan called for simplifying the permitting process for additional dwelling units (ADUs) to encourage their development, noting that the current process can be confusing.

The discussion on housing was lively, with O'Mahan expressing a desire to delve deeper into the topic, indicating its complexity and importance to the community.

Following O'Mahan, candidate Lopez was invited to respond to the same question regarding public disagreement in politics. She acknowledged the rarity of controversy in local politics, suggesting that the community generally maintains a harmonious atmosphere.

The forum concluded with a sense of urgency surrounding the housing crisis, as candidates expressed their commitment to finding viable solutions. The discussions underscored the need for collaborative efforts to address housing challenges in Ellensburg, setting the stage for future council actions and community engagement.