Attainable Housing Facilities Act — possible missing-middle tax incentive
Ferndale
Summary
Commissioner Mikulski suggested the city offer pre-approved, ready-made plans for accessory dwelling units to lower costs for homeowners aging in place or adding housing.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 13, 2026.
Impact analysis
Could reduce design costs for homeowners adding ADUs.
Homeowners who want to add rental units or space for family members.
Critics argue the 'attainable' label masks rents the lowest-wage workers can't afford, and that 15-year affordability leaves a future affordability gap.
Mentions & discussions (6)
City Council - Oct 13, 2026
City staff previewed how a state tax abatement could make duplexes, ADUs, and small rentals financially viable — 50% off some school taxes for up to 12 years, but only if units are rented affordably (100–120% of area median income). Council asked whether the city could target deeper affordability, like 80% AMI. No action was taken.
City Council - City Council Candidate Q&A - May 26, 2026
Candidates and council members discussed Ferndale's housing affordability crunch, outdated AMI definitions, and the gap between market-rate and subsidized housing. A candidate asked council directly how they'd make housing more affordable in a landlocked city.
Planning Commission - Mar 18, 2026
Commissioner Mikulski suggested the city offer pre-approved, ready-made plans for accessory dwelling units to lower costs for homeowners aging in place or adding housing.
City Council - Strategic Planning Workshop - Feb 28, 2026
Ferndale has multiple overlapping housing policies, and 35% of renters are cost-burdened. Council wants a consolidated housing strategy, research into a legal housing trust fund, and data on blight, short-term rentals, and home repair needs.
City Council - Jan 26, 2026
The Ferlito Group's 56-unit workforce housing project gets a 15-year tax break in exchange for capped rents at 80%-120% of area median income plus $300,000+ in community benefits. Councilmembers pressed whether the rents are truly attainable and whether the city should demand responsible-contractor standards. The city's take more than doubles current revenue from the vacant lot.
City Council - Jan 12, 2026
A proposed 56-unit, 100% attainable housing project would put 56 residents blocks from downtown, with rents capped by income level for 15 years under a PILOT tax incentive. The deal includes $160,000 in road improvements, a $30,000 Gary Park contribution, and about $300,000 total in community benefits — but the vote waits until January 26.
Related development
1200 W. Nine Mile Road Attainable Housing Development
Fifty-six households earning about $56,560 to $84,840 could live blocks from downtown with rents capped by income for 15 years, plus road, park, and nonprofit investments nearby.
Nine West — PILOT and Community Benefits Agreement
Adds 56 attainable apartments (17 at 80% AMI, 18 at 100%, 21 at 120% AMI) near downtown, with 15-year rent restrictions and benefits to the food pantry, Geary Park, and public art.
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