County seeks applicants for Housing Options Study and Action Plan Project Advisory Group

The county is seeking applicants interested in utilizing a consensus-based approach to creatively and collaboratively problem-solve issues regarding barriers in providing additional housing types

VANCOUVER – Interested Clark County residents are invited to apply for a position on the Clark County Housing Options Study and Action Plan Project Advisory Group (PAG). The PAG will help the county develop recommendations to encourage the creation of additional housing types that are affordable to a variety of households within the unincorporated Vancouver Urban Growth Area.

Learn more about the project at www.clark.wa.gov/housingoptions.

Interested Clark County residents are invited to apply for a position on the Clark County Housing Options Study and Action Plan Project Advisory Group. File photo
Interested Clark County residents are invited to apply for a position on the Clark County Housing Options Study and Action Plan Project Advisory Group. File photo

Project Advisory Group

The county is seeking applicants interested in utilizing a consensus-based approach to creatively and collaboratively problem-solve issues regarding barriers in providing additional housing types in the unincorporated Vancouver Urban Growth Area and to develop recommendations that will become part of the Housing Options Study and Action Plan. The recommendations will be reviewed and considered by the public, the Clark County Planning Commission, and County Council.

The group will meet up to ten times throughout the duration of the project, starting in early 2021. PAG responsibilities will include:

  • Reviewing and commenting on work products.
  • Guiding public outreach and engagement efforts.
  • Acting as liaisons to specific constituencies or interest groups.
  • Hosting public events.
  • Encouraging community members to participate in the process.
  • Acting as champions of the project and the recommendations that emerge from it.

The PAG will consist of approximately 20 people who demonstrate a balanced commitment to the adopted scope of work and represent a broad spectrum of interests including those most vulnerable to rising housing costs and displacement, people working in the housing industry, and parties responsible for housing-related regulations.

Advisory Group Positions

  • City of Vancouver representative
  • County Council liaisons
  • Communities of color advocate
  • Community/neighborhood group representative
  • For-profit housing development representative
  • Houseless community advocate
  • Housing feasibility and financing representative
  • Innovative home building representative
  • Large employer representative
  • Nonprofit housing development representative
  • Older adults /Aging in Place advocate
  • Persons with disabilities advocate
  • Public housing development representative
  • Real estate representative
  • Schools advocate
  • Youth advocate

COVID-19

Due to COVID-19, PAG meetings are expected to take place remotely. PAG members will need access to a computer with internet and have the ability to use web meeting software like Webex and GoToMeeting. Should in-person meetings become an option during the project, PAG meetings would take place at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.

To Apply

Submit a letter of interest, no longer than two pages, to Michelle.Pfenning@clark.wa.gov by 5 p.m., Mon., Nov. 30, 2020.

Please include the following information in your letter:

  • Indicate the position(s) on the PAG you would like to represent.
  • Please summarize your involvement in, and connection with, the interest-based group(s) you could represent.
  • Please summarize your background with the county’s urban housing market and/or issues facing those looking for housing.
  • Include any additional information about your background and/or experience that is relevant to the scope of this project.

In addition to a letter of interest, please include:

  • A summary of qualifications, such as a resume.
  • Two references from an organization or affiliation of the interest-based group(s) you have applied to represent.
  • Contact information for follow-up.

Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.