ARCH Launches Pilot Council of Elected Officials to Advance Affordable Housing

In 2026, ARCH will launch a new pilot Council of Elected Officials to strengthen regional collaboration and accelerate affordable housing creation across East King County. The pilot builds on ARCH’s 2024 Strategic Plan, which emphasized deeper engagement with local elected leaders and a stronger focus on the policy and legislative actions needed to address the region’s affordable housing shortages. In 2025, a series of focus groups with East King County mayors and councilmembers confirmed a desire for greater connection, communication, and active participation within ARCH.

East King County is home to dozens of elected officials who champion affordable housing. The Council of Elected Officials will bring these leaders together to build shared understanding, strengthen relationships, and support coordinated action to create and preserve affordable housing. Over the course of 2026, Council members will serve as a sounding board for the ARCH Executive Board and staff, exchange best practices, and learn more about complex housing policies.

ARCH member jurisdictions will appoint their representatives to the Council by the end of January 2026, with the first meeting to follow shortly thereafter. After the pilot year, ARCH will evaluate the council’s effectiveness and consider next steps.

Questions?

Please contact Sophie Glass, ARCH Government Affairs, Policy, and Communications Manager (sglass@bellevuewa.gov).