Housing Accountability Act

In 2025, the Washington State Legislature adopted the Housing Accountability Act (HAA) to support robust and accountable housing planning statewide. The law establishes both voluntary and selected review processes for local housing elements and housing related development regulations, with the goal of improving alignment with the Growth Management Act and ensuring jurisdictions plan for and accommodate countywide housing allocations. 

The City of Bainbridge Island received notice on January 13, 2026 from the Washington State Department of Commerce that it has been selected for the Housing Accountability Act (HAA) Selected Review Process. As part of the Selected Review process, Commerce has engaged with City staff to begin technical discussions, with the goal of supporting adoption of a housing element and associated development regulations consistent with state requirements.