Pierce County surpasses 1,300 new affordable housing units in two years, thanks to local affordable housing tax 

September 3, 2025

Yesterday, the Pierce County Council approved $12.2 million to fund four housing projects that will create or preserve 646 units of affordable housing for individuals and families. The funding comes from tax generated by the Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act, which has supported the creation, development, or preservation of 1,387 units of affordable housing in just over two years. 

“When the Council passed the Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act, we committed to creating a dedicated, sustainable source of funding to address one of Pierce County’s greatest needs. In just two years, this fund has generated tens of millions of dollars, turning ideas into real homes for families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities across our communities,” said Council Chair Jani Hitchen (District 6). “This is a model for what providing public, private, and partnered paths to safe, stable housing can look like.”

These new projects build on the success of previously funded developments, including Copper Way in Spanaway and Viridian Grove in Tacoma. The diversity of projects, from new construction of large family apartments to the preservation of existing housing and the creation of specialized homes, demonstrates the tax’s flexibility in meeting a wide range of community needs.

“It is a testament to our County team and our housing partners that we have reached a milestone in creating more than 1,000 affordable housing units in two years since the Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act was created,” said County Executive Ryan N. Mello. “I’m grateful to everyone who has helped us reach this point, and I’m encouraged by the progress we are making to create housing people can afford.”

The following awarded projects will serve households across the county earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), which comes to $50,760 for a household of one, $58,020 for a household of two, and $72,480 for a household of four:  

Cedar Flats (South Hill/Frederickson): $7,000,000 for the new construction of 276 family-sized units, with two- to four-bedroom apartments.   

Chateau Rainier (Fife): $5,000,000 for the rehabilitation of 248 units, preserving affordability for households with extremely low income.  

FFC Homes XIV (Buckley): $166,800 for the acquisition and rehabilitation of three group homes, providing nine units for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.   

Fairway at Dupont (Dupont): $69,752 for the new construction of 113 family-sized affordable units near Joint Base Lewis-McChord.  The projects in Fife and Buckley have units set aside for households at 30% AMI, ensuring availability for residents earning annual incomes as low as $25,400. 

About the Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act 

Named for the late housing advocate Maureen Howard, the fund is supported by a one-tenth of 1% sales tax in Pierce County, equivalent to ten cents for every $100 spent. It is designed to support housing projects and services for residents in need, including seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. For more information, visit piercecountywa.gov/AHtax.