Developers Overview

This section, details how ARCH supports its member municipalities, and in turn how ARCH touches the developer community in:

  • Developing housing policies and regulation

Cost-reducing strategies such as land use incentives, attached housing, fee waivers and developing surplus land as well as explicit affordability requirements are among the tools to encourage the creation and preservation of affordable housing. 

  • Providing financial assistance through loans and or grants to groups that develop affordable housing 

The ARCH Housing Trust Fund was created in 1993 as a way to directly assist the development and preservation of affordable housing in East King County. The trust fund is capitalized by both local general funds and locally controlled, federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The trust fund process allows ARCH members to jointly administer their housing funds, and assist the best available housing opportunities that meet the housing needs of the community.  Click here for information on the ARCH Housing Trust Fund.

  • Implementing and managing housing programs

ARCH has a continuing role in the affordable housing created through the land use incentives or trust fund investment.  For more information on the monitoring that ARCH does, click here.

  • Educating the community on housing issues and helping people find homes

The ARCH website, brochures and staff provide access to information on developments and issues relating to housing. 

"Housing is a basic need and has an impact on education, transportation, jobs, crime rates and the environment.  Affordable housing and nonprofit facilities bring together economically diverse 'whole communities,' and are key to building livable neighborhoods and a strong state."  

Washington State Housing Finance Commission Strategic Plan