Submitted by LOTT Clean Water Alliance
At the LOTT Clean Water Alliance’s (LOTT) Board of Directors meeting on March 12, 2025, the Board unanimously voted to approve the use of $125,000 of Affordable Housing Support Program funds for the Franz Anderson Permanent Supportive Housing project. LOTT’s program supports a regional goal shared by their partners, the cities of Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater, and Thurston County.
“Supporting the development of affordable housing aligns with our mission to protect public health and the environment,” shared LOTT Executive Director Matt Kennelly. “By offering connection fee rebates, we reduce financial barriers and increase access to proper sanitation, ultimately protecting water quality for the greater community.”
In 2020, LOTT completed an assessment of its connection charges and how they relate to regional affordable housing objectives. With direction from the Board, LOTT worked with the Thurston Regional Housing Council (RHC) and partner cities to develop a framework and guidelines. A pilot program in 2023-2024 was successful and resulted in nearly 200 equivalent residential units of affordable housing. For 2025-2026, $500,000 has been allocated to support further expansion, with $125,000 available to each city and an additional $125,000 for a shared pool.
The Franz Anderson Permanent Supportive Housing project, to be located on Franz Anderson Road SE in Olympia, will provide 70 multi-family apartments for low-income residents. As the project proponent, the City of Olympia requested use of the $125,000 shared pool resources. The RHC recommended approval of the request, determining that the project is a high priority to help address the regional affordable housing crisis.
“LOTT’s program reflects their commitment to playing a role in providing affordable housing in our community,” said Jacinda Steltjes, City of Olympia housing division program manager. “The program helps decrease the cost of creating new housing units and will help bring the long-lasting and life-changing benefit of permanent housing and supportive services for individuals exiting homelessness in our region.”
For more information about LOTT, please visit the LOTT Clean Water Alliance website.
