Olympia is set to launch the Safe Housing and Rental Efficiency (SHARE) Accelerator program this year.
This voluntary pilot program aims to support landlords in making energy-efficient and health- and safety-related property upgrades.
The pilot program, developed in partnership with Olympia Community Solar (OCS), will offer affordable rental housing owners support for whole-building retrofits focused on critical repairs, energy efficiency, weatherization, electrification and safety. This will include a building assessment and upgrade report tailored to each rental unit.
The SHARE Accelerator program will debut with 20 rental units in mid- to late-2025.
It is open to single-family or multifamily rental property owners within city limits. Properties must be registered with Olympia's Rental Registry and charge affordable rents.
Olympia defined affordable rents as rents accessible to households at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI).
The property owner must sign an affordability covenant with the city to prevent upgrade costs from passing to tenants and keep rent stable.
According to the city, this program will benefit landlords and tenants.
Eligible landlords will receive guidance in managing the improvements. They will receive support, including guidance with grant applications, funding navigation and project management services.
Tenants will benefit from improved safety, energy efficiency and reduced energy costs. The upgrades will help address environmental health concerns, such as high utility bills, insufficient heating and cooling, and mold.
In February 2021, Olympia adopted the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The SHARE Accelerator program aligns with this plan by reducing energy use in residential buildings, promoting cleaner energy sources, addressing housing needs and lowering tenant energy costs.
Olympia and OCS seek feedback from community members to refine the program's design. Renters and landlords are encouraged to participate in an online survey available on the city's Engage Olympia platform until Feb. 11.
For more information about the program and proposed upgrades, visit the Engage Olympia web page or contact Dominic Jones, Building Decarbonization Program manager, at djones@ci.olympia.wa.us.
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