Island County uses sales tax to fund affordable housing

Island County commissioners are utilizing a 0.1% sales tax, adopted in March 2022, to fund affordable housing projects across Whidbey Island. The tax, authorized under House Bill 1590, has supported the creation of 28 affordable housing units across three specific developments.

Recent allocations include $1.5 million for Marina View Place in Oak Harbor, which covers the purchase and repair of an eight-unit apartment building. Other projects funded by the tax include the 14-unit Generations Place in Langley and the six-unit Town Center Apartments in Coupeville. Additionally, the county has used the funds to acquire two properties in Coupeville and Oak Harbor for future housing initiatives.