Opinion: Spokane Needs 'Missing Middle Housing'

In an opinion piece in Inlander, housing developer Jim Frank argues in favor of zoning reform in Eastern Washington, where housing costs have risen dramatically along with demand in the last decade. "Over the past 10 years, we've taken housing affordability for granted. We thought it was a staple that we would never lose. In 2010, the median home price was about $160,000 — and we were worried about it going down."

While the first signs of growth were heralded as a positive development for the local economy, Frank writes, that soon changed. "The trickle of growth turned into a stream, then surged into a COVID migration-swollen river. The regional growth rate is now well over 2 percent a year, while the median home price is nearly $400,000." For Frank, "This rapid price escalation is a result of our complacency and a failure to build enough housing to accommodate our population."

"We need to allow a wide variety of housing types in every neighborhood. When you look around Spokane, what you see are single family homes on large lots, along with large multifamily projects. There is virtually nothing in between."

Frank calls for revisions to local zoning codes that allow more 'missing middle housing' such as townhomes and small multifamily buildings. "How we build neighborhoods and regulate housing has to change in ways that encourage infill. Regardless of economic status, families need to be welcomed into all of our neighborhoods."