I am an eleventh-grade student and would like to express my deep concern about housing affordability in our community. As a San Juan County/Friday Harbor resident, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by individuals and families struggling to find affordable housing options.

The impact of reforming zoning laws to promote the development of affordable housing and promote inclusive communities would be immensely beneficial to our overall community. This would require developers to include affordable housing units in new residential developments. By motivating developers to contribute to affordable housing stock, we can expand housing opportunities for low and moderate-income residents. It would also involve changing zoning codes to allow for higher-density development, mixed-use zoning, and the creation of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). And, by adopting more flexible zoning policies, we could increase housing affordability while keeping the character of our neighborhoods.

Another solution would be giving satisfactory resources and funding to support affordable housing initiatives is also essential. Securing funding for affordable housing projects and providing financial incentives for developers are crucial steps in addressing housing affordability in San Juan County.

In conclusion, I urge you to take into consideration this major issue that is affecting hundreds of San Juan County residences. By prioritizing this issue, we can ensure that all residents have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing options.

Thank you so much for your support and attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Noah Gladstein

Friday Harbor