County OKs funding for Courtside Apartments acquisition, preservation for affordable housing

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners approved more than a million-dollar funding recommendation from the Regional Housing Council for acquiring and preserving the Courtside Apartments for Vital Housing’s project.

The project will receive $1,357,699.15, as requested in the application, and Public Health and Social Services has been authorized to issue an award commitment letter.

According to Alex Persse, the county’s Affordable Housing Program Manager, the Vital Housing Courtside Apartment Acquisition and Preservation project aims to acquire and maintain 112 affordable housing units in Olympia.

“The organization will update units to achieve more energy efficiency,” said Persse.

These units are rent-restricted due to tax credit financing expiring in 2026.

By acquiring the property, Persse said Vital Housing will ensure the continued availability of affordable housing in Thurston County.

Once the project is fully funded and all pre-contract requirements are met, the Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention will seek authorization from the Board to finalize the contract for the award.

Vital Housing initially responded to Thurston County’s Request for Proposals for affordable housing capital projects in April 2024, seeking $2,750,000 for the Courtside Apartment project.

The Thurston Affordable Housing Advisory Board reviewed and scored the application, deliberating on April 25th along with other proposals. The advisory board recommended funding the project on the condition that Vital Housing provided additional information.

Following submitting the required documents on June 11th, the TAHAB reconvened on June 20th and unanimously approved a motion to fund the project at $1,357,699.15.

This recommendation was then presented to the RHC on June 26th, which unanimously approved the funding.