At the May 10 study session, Sumner City Council discussed amendments regarding affordable housing, which may be approved at the May 17 council meeting.

In May of 2009 the Pierce County Regional Council recommended adoption of amendments to the Countywide Planning Policies regarding affordable housing in the county. The Growth Management Act requires the county to adopt a countywide planning policy.

Fortunately for Sumner, the city does not need to make significant alterations, since the city is already compliant.

“The comprehensive plan needs no change to comply with the county level,” Sumner Planning Manager Ryan Windish said.

Among amendments are the establishment of a goal of 25 percent of new housing in the area to be affordable housing.

“The emphasis is on creating affordable housing for households earning less than 80 percent of median income,” Windish said.

The latest statistics on income in Pierce County from the Washington Office of Financial Management show the median income is $57,000 a year. Income 51 percent up to an including 80 percent of the median is classified as low income, which is $28,551 up to and including $45,681 a year. Very low income is $28,551 or less.

Windish said the council is limited by either being able to vote yes or no on the matter.