Protect communities from low-barrier PSH
Washington communities need compassionate housing solutions that preserve reasonable siting safeguards, neighborhood safety, and meaningful public input.
Know the definition
Many proponents describe PSH broadly as housing for people with disabilities, but the legal definition and reality are much more specific and carry significant implications for the surrounding neighborhood.
Washington State law defines Permanent Supportive Housing as subsidized housing that specifically utilizes "lower barriers to entry". This means these facilities intentionally overlook rental history, criminal history, and personal behaviors during the admissions process.
PSH is designed for individuals with complex and disabling conditions. State regulations explicitly define "behavioral health" services in this context to include treatment for substance-use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Crucially, state law dictates that any on-site or off-site support services, such as drug treatment or mental health counseling, are entirely voluntary. Facility operators cannot mandate participation, and the housing has no limit on the length of stay or any employment requirement.
Because residents are not required to participate in treatment and are admitted despite past criminal or behavioral histories, these facilities can introduce street disorder, open drug use, and public safety challenges into the immediate vicinity.
How community safeguards were removed
The State Legislature passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2266, limiting how Washington cities and counties can regulate where low-barrier housing facilities are built.
HB 2266 requires cities and counties planning under the Growth Management Act to allow low-barrier PSH, transitional housing, and emergency shelters in specified urban zones without a public hearing. They must be treated generally on the same terms as comparable residential developments.
The law forced the removal of existing local protections. For example, Mercer Island was forced to repeal a local code that required a 600-foot buffer between homeless shelters and places where children gather.
While the 2026 law allows cities to negotiate basic health and safety requirements for emergency shelters located within 500 feet of a school, this provision does not apply to Permanent Supportive Housing. PSH facilities can be built next to schools, licensed child care sites, activity centers, and school bus stops with zero mandatory safety buffers or coordination plans.
Small residential communities lack the scale of police, fire, and medical resources to handle the concentrated demands these low-barrier facilities bring.
Our legislative platform
We are calling on the State Legislature to amend HB 2266 in the 2027 session to restore local, community-led planning:
Allow cities to maintain reasonable buffers (up to 750 feet) between emergency housing, PSH, and sensitive areas like homes, schools, licensed daycares, and community centers.
Ensure the public's voice is preserved by requiring public hearings before siting and approving low-barrier housing projects.
Explicitly allow cities to meet housing targets through interlocal agreements to develop emergency housing in appropriate, supported locations.
Provide exemptions for communities with populations under 30,000, similar to the framework established in SB 5184.
Campaign updates and news
The community immediately rallied around the cause, gathering over 340 signatures in the first 24 hours of the campaign.
As the petition passed 500 supporters, campaign organizers met with State Representatives My-Linh Thai and Janice Zahn to explain how HB 2266 restricts local siting decisions and operational safety requirements. Both representatives accepted petition materials and expressed interest in continuing the discussion.
Published an update detailing how a Town Center developer "fee-in-lieu" plan and regional pooling through ARCH make PSH development financially viable on the Island.
After the Mercer Island Reporter covered the petition, Senator Lisa Wellman publicly committed to supporting reasonable adjustments in the next legislative session, and Representative Janice Zahn emphasized local and regional collaboration. The campaign also urged the City Council not to adopt HB 2266 provisions ahead of the 2028 state deadline.
Residents spoke against adopting the HB 2266 provisions, but the Mercer Island City Council unanimously approved the Comprehensive Plan amendments. The vote reinforced that restoring siting safeguards and public input will require action by the State Legislature.
A formal inquiry was submitted to Representative Janice Zahn, requesting her prime sponsorship of a bill in the 2027 legislative session to restore local siting buffers and public notice requirements.
Senator Lisa Wellman's office committed to request a Senate work session on HB 2266's effects on smaller, geographically constrained cities, begin drafting corrective legislation with community and stakeholder input, and host an in-person listening session for 41st District residents.
The campaign formally asked the Mercer Island School District Board to make HB 2266 reform and student safety protections a legislative priority. The Board did not add the issue to its platform, underscoring the need to continue building support among local institutions.
During public comment, the campaign asked the School Board to support mandatory district consultation for PSH proposed near schools and full state funding for any additional security measures. Board members discussed the concerns but took no action.
Take action
Washington residents in every legislative district can help. Use the sample message below, personalize it, and send it to your State Senator and two State Representatives.
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Copy and personalize the sample message, then use the official Washington State Legislature website to find your district's Senator and two Representatives.
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Subject
Please restore local safeguards removed by HB 2266
Message
Dear Senator/Representative [Last Name], I am your constituent in [city or community], and I am concerned about the community impacts of low-barrier Permanent Supportive Housing under HB 2266. I support compassionate housing solutions, but cities and counties also need reasonable tools to protect neighborhood safety, involve the public, and coordinate services. HB 2266 removed important local safeguards and limited communities' ability to make siting decisions that reflect local conditions. Please take action to amend HB 2266 and restore reasonable local safeguards, including siting buffers near sensitive areas, public notice and hearings, coordination around schools and child care facilities, and options for regional collaboration. Please let me know what steps you will take to advance these changes. Sincerely, [Your name] [Your address or legislative district]
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