HB 1490 is proposed WA state legislation that would require increased density in areas around light rail stations and at certain bus rapid transit locations. The proposal is supported by the environmental advocacy group Futurewise and by low income housing advocates Housing Development Consortium and Washington Low Income Housing Alliance.
Supporters of the legislation believe that building compact, transit-oriented communities will create healthier, safer, affordable, and vibrant communities for Washington while reducing congestion, combating climate change and strengthening the economy.
You can view legislative history of the bill here.
A summary of the legislation prepared by Futurewise is available here.
Information prepared by Housing Development Consortium and Washington Low Income Housing Alliance is available here.
Seattle City Councilmember Sally Clark is holding a workshop on HB 1490 on February 18th:
Trains, Density & Change
A Workshop on HB 1490
Wednesday, February 18
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Langston Hughes Cultural Center Auditorium
(104 17th Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98144)
Thanks Renee. I’m very excited about this bill because it is comprehensive. It recognizes that the connections between housing, transportation, families, health and neighborhoods.
It’s better for society, the environment and families if people can afford to live close to where they work. This Transit Oriented Communities bill gives us a chance to ensure that a portion of new housing is available to working families. That way people who don’t earn a lot of money at least have a choice about where to live rather than having to live far from their job because it’s the only thing they can afford.