Rep. Peter Abbarno said on Apr. 27 that House Bill 2266, which expands requirements for cities and counties to allow transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and emergency shelters in nearly all residential and hotel zones within urban growth areas, moves the state in the wrong direction.
Abbarno said the legislation preempts local decision-making by imposing a statewide mandate from Olympia, restricting cities’ and counties’ ability to tailor housing solutions based on their unique needs and community input. He argued that successful programs depend on trust between providers, residents, and the surrounding community—a trust built through transparency, communication, and collaboration.
“We cannot ignore a simple reality: if transitional or supportive housing is placed into a neighborhood without meaningful community engagement and buy-in, it will not succeed,” Abbarno said. He added that local governments are not barriers to progress but partners who understand where services exist and how to ensure safety for both residents and neighbors.
Abbarno criticized HB 2266 for limiting local governments’ ability to negotiate operational agreements ensuring safety and accountability; apply thoughtful spacing standards; or require meaningful community engagement processes. “Even more concerning,” he said, “the bill preempts local regulations and invalidates conflicting ordinances, regardless of whether communities have updated their plans. That is not partnership, that is preemption.”
He emphasized Washington’s diversity by noting differences between communities such as Seattle and Centralia or Federal Way and Ridgefield. “What works in Seattle may not work in Centralia,” he said.
In conclusion, Abbarno called for flexible policies allowing innovation at the local level: “The most successful housing solutions come from the community up, not Olympia down.” He stated his support for expanding effective housing options while ensuring accountability through partnerships with communities.
