ARCH Opens 2026 Funding Round to Accelerate Affordable Housing Across East King County
2026 ARCH Housing Trust Fund
ARCH: A Regional Coalition for Housing has opened the 2026 ARCH Housing Trust Fund (HTF) round, offering a significant pool of funding to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing throughout East King County. Approximately $7.2 million is available through the ARCH HTF this year, marking an important opportunity to advance projects that will bring more affordable homes to one of the most expensive housing markets in Washington.
In addition to the Trust Fund, ARCH is supporting the City of Issaquah in making up to $2 million available from its Inclusive Housing Investment Pool (IHIP), dedicated to affordable housing developments located within the city. The City of Bellevue has also advertised nearly $14 million from the Housing Stability Program and up to $11 million from its Housing Reserve for eligible projects within Bellevue.
These combined sources reflect the strength of a regional approach to addressing housing affordability. ARCH member cities voluntarily contribute to the Housing Trust Fund - an uncommon and powerful model for local collaboration. Since the fund’s inception in 1992, this coalition has invested more than $125 million across 117 projects in 11 jurisdictions, resulting in approximately 7,000 affordable homes.
“For more than 30 years, the ARCH coalition has shown that cities can achieve far more together than on their own,” said ARCH Executive Director Lindsay Masters. “Pooling our resources allows us to identify and fund critical projects each year, and it enables members to make a meaningful and lasting difference for families who want to live and work in East King County.”
Developers can apply for funding to create affordable rental or ownership opportunities. Eligible projects may range from new construction to acquisition and rehabilitation, with a strong emphasis on producing long-term, affordable housing for those earning up to 50% of the Area Median Income.
ARCH’s 2026 funding priorities reflect both the urgency of East King County’s housing shortage, and the importance of aligning with local plans and policies. This year introduces a new focus area, “Meeting Local Housing Needs”, which encourages projects that directly advance the housing needs identified in local Comprehensive Plans. The update is designed to more closely link planning efforts with investment opportunities, ensuring that jurisdictions can make progress toward their adopted housing needs.
Additional priorities include timely delivery of housing, and maximizing unit creation with ARCH’s investment, among other objectives. Together, these criteria support efficient, strategic use of public dollars and help ensure that new housing can be delivered as quickly as possible given the region’s shortage of affordable homes.
With major job centers, excellent schools, and strong transit access, East King County offers some of the region’s greatest opportunities, but it also faces high housing costs. Through the ARCH Housing Trust Fund, local cities support people of all income levels in accessing these opportunities.
Applications for the 2026 funding round are due September 11, 2026. Details can be found on the ARCH website. Developers with questions are encouraged to contact Chris Keenan at ARCH (ckeenan@bellevuewa.gov or 425-229-6635) for guidance or additional information.