State Rep. Deb Manjarrez, R-Wapato, has been appointed to the governor’s Washington State Task Force on the establishment of a Department of Housing, which will be charged with recommending how the state can better coordinate housing policy and accelerate the construction of homes across Washington.
The task force was created by executive order to study the formation of a cabinet-level Department of Housing and develop recommendations ahead of the 2027 legislative session. The group will focus on expanding housing supply, reducing administrative bottlenecks, modernizing state processes, and ensuring accountability and measurable results as Washington addresses a statewide housing shortage.
“I am honored to serve on this task force. As we look at the idea of a Department of Housing, I want to make sure affordability, efficiency, and accountability are front and center,” said Manjarrez. “If we are serious about making housing more affordable, we have to look closely at state systems, regulations, and timelines that drive up costs and slow down construction.”
Washington ranks dead last in per-capita affordable housing supply. The state is projected to need more than 1 million new homes by 2044, with roughly half affordable to households earning 50% or less of the area’s median income. Nearly half of renters statewide are considered cost-burdened, paying more than 30% of their income on housing.
“No matter how you construct it, Washington is in a significant housing affordability crisis,” said Manjarrez. “Communities of all sizes and demographics are feeling the squeeze. It is one of the most urgent challenges facing families in every corner of our state.”
Manjarrez said her work in the Legislature has been guided by those realities, including her sponsorship of House Bill 2151, which streamlines inspections for factory-built housing and commercial structures.
“Factory-built homes can be a real part of the solution, especially for working families and communities that need housing quickly and affordably,” Manjarrez said. “HB 2151 is about removing unnecessary barriers while maintaining safety, and that same philosophy should guide the work of this task force.”
The task force includes representatives from state agencies, the Legislature, local governments, housing authorities, tribal governments, and nonprofit and for-profit housing developers. By Nov. 15, 2026, the Housing Task Force will provide a report to the governor and Legislature with recommendations.
The task force held their first meeting on Feb. 13.
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Washington State House Republicans
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