Welcome to

White Salmon's
Housing Action Plan

Information Center

Keeping White Salmon residents informed and engaged
as we implement solutions to meet the City's housing needs,
now and in the years to come.

Keeping White Salmon residents informed and engaged as we implement solutions to meet the City's housing needs,
now and in the years to come.

A message from our Mayor

Over the last two decades, White Salmon has seen a dramatic rise in home prices, along with a corresponding decrease in available housing. Housing affordability and availability isn't just a challenge here. It is a major issue facing the Columbia Gorge, Washington State, and the entire country. With our location within the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, White Salmon faces unique challenges in this area. These challenges are multifaceted, complex, and (as much as we wish it wasn't the case) there is neither a singular nor easy solution to "fix" the problem.
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We know that affordable housing that meets the needs of diverse households, representing a range of income levels and life stages, is at the epicenter of a strong, healthy, and economically viable community. When our individual housing costs are affordable, we are all able to meet other critical needs for our households, such as food, healthcare, childcare, education, and transportation.
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Making housing affordable for all our residents – across different life stages and varying income levels – will require a community-wide commitment. It will be up to all of us - our city's elected leaders, administration and residents - to make the best choices we can to chart a future where living in White Salmon is accessible, affordable, and attainable for all of our current and future residents.
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Our community is strong, kind, and collaborative. Living in White Salmon is highly desirable, and together we can make it attainable for more than a select few.

Marla Keethler, Mayor

Stay Up-to-Date

This site and associated Housing Action Plan resources will be updated frequently. Please sign up if you'd like to stay informed as we share new information and opportunities to participate.

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By the Numbers

Macro trends are impacting the country, state, and our region, while unique challenges in White Salmon place further pressure on the housing supply.

75%

of homes on the market in the U.S. are too expensive for middle-income buyers.¹

The median selling price in 2023 for homes in White Salmon is $690,000.²

120,000

new homes are needed to meet Washington's current needs. After that, 82,000 per year would be necessary to keep up with growth.³

The White Salmon area is projected to capture approximately 45% of the overall net new housing demand within Klickitat County.⁴

65%+

of 185 residents surveyed are open to including Accessory Dwelling Units, Townhomes, Mixed Use (apartments above retail), and Affordable Housing units in White Salmon's development future.⁵^‍

25.9%

of Klickitat County residents are cost-burdened, spending 30%+ of household income on housing-related costs.⁶

82%

of residents surveyed view the strain on available housing in White Salmon due to rising real estate costs as a negative change.⁷

27%

increase in population in White Salmon in the decade spanning 2010-2020.⁸

Sources
1. Business Insider 2. RMLS 2023 3. Seattle Times 4. White Salmon Urbanization Study
5. 2023 White Salmon Housing Survey 6. BCG & Challenge Seattle
7. 8. White Salmon Urbanization Study

Chart One

55%

65%

75%

85%

Chart Two

$8.1m

$6.89m

$4m

Complete

100%

Some Data

Coffee consumed

cups

Built by

99.9%

White Salmon

30%

40%

Only

100%

Effort

Our Goals

The long-term outcomes and supporting actions for the City of White Salmon’s housing vision can be categorized into three housing topic areas.

Affordability and Diversity

focuses on ensuring affordability of housing citywide and development of diverse, quality housing options

Design & Neighborhoods

focuses on encouraging residential development that enriches the quality of life and small-town character of White Salmon

Partnerships & Education

focuses on establishing programs to support renters and homeowners, as well strengthening partnerships to ensure housing needs are met

Near Term Action Items

Fall 2023

Review of and changes to existing development code

Winter 2023

Review and Modify Zoning Designations

Spring 2024

Develop partnerships with private and non-profit entities to spur development

FAQ

You must have questions.

Question One

To make sure all Citizen rights, you have to work together better country for our child. So we have to take initiative way ensure the all to make for comfortable to our Citizen

Question Two

To make sure all Citizen rights, you have to work together better country for our child. So we have to take initiative way ensure the all to make for comfortable to our Citizen

Question Three

To make sure all Citizen rights, you have to work together better country for our child. So we have to take initiative way ensure the all to make for comfortable to our Citizen

We Want to Hear from You

Many of you already responded to our housing survey, and we're appreciative of your participation. But if you haven't yet had a chance to weigh in, we want your experience included in our policy considerations too. Please take a few moments to complete the survey below.

English Survey

Encuesta Española

Contact Us

Do you have specific questions regarding the Housing Action Plan? Please don't hesitate to reach out.

TWO OPTIONS TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS:

1. We encourage everyone to submit questions to the public forum on our Rep'd page, where city leaders will be providing short video responses.

Visit Rep'd

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2. For more private questions and comments, please use the form below to get in touch.

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Video Center

Stay up to date with the latest news about Housing in White Salmon via the video playlist below.

Resources

All relevant documents, reports, and resources will be posted here. Looking for something you don't see here? Please reach out to us via the form above.
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