OPPOSE HB1217
Protect Spokane’s Housing
House Bill 1217 aims to control rent prices, but it will worsen Spokane’s housing crisis by discouraging new development, keeping rents high, and increasing homelessness.
The Real Problem: Housing Shortage
- Spokane has underbuilt 32,000 homes in the last decade.
- We need 2,900 new units per year, but only 1,500 are being built.
- More restrictions = fewer homes = higher rents & more homelessness.
Why HB 1217 Will Make the Problem Worse
While HB 1217 intends to protect tenants, it will make housing harder to find and afford:
1️⃣ Discourages New Housing Development: Capping rents makes new construction less profitable, leading to fewer homes being built.
2️⃣ Keeps Rents High: High rents come from low supply. Limiting pricing won’t fix this—only building more homes will.
3️⃣ Increases Homelessness: Without more housing, demand stays high, rents rise, and more people are left without homes.
The Solution: Build More Housing
Instead of rent control, Spokane needs:
✅ Incentives for new housing
✅ Faster permits & zoning reforms
✅ Public-private partnerships for affordable homes
✅ Fair tenant protections without restricting rent
Take Action NOW!
Sign up to oppose HB 1217 below.
More homes, not more restrictions!
SBA will submit your name as part of our formal opposition to State Legislators.