Welcome to Skagit County

June 20, 2025  

County Commissioners Award Economic Development Funds to Workforce Housing Projects

On Monday, June 16th, the Skagit County Commissioners approved economic development public facilities funding for three workforce housing projects, adding 65 new rental housing units in Anacortes, Mount Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley. Economic development grants are funded through the county’s rural economic development sales and use tax collections.

Historically these funds have been used for public facilities and capital projects which include a nexus to job creation or retention. Based on a recent change in state law, the County broadened award criteria to allow projects that provide affordable workforce housing. The change recognizes the ways in which Skagit County’s housing shortage impacts the ability of employers to attract and retain workers.  

Seeking to capitalize on its collaboration with the cities through North Star, the Board of Commissioners consulted with the North Star Leadership Team to develop criteria for the awards. Those criteria included proximity to transit, commercial services, and employment, as well as connections to the North Star priorities of serving vulnerable populations and integrating social and health benefits with housing.  

Seven housing applications were submitted for the available $3 million, and the three highest scoring projects were awarded funding. 

• The Anacortes Housing Authority plans to redevelop the Olson Building in downtown Anacortes and provide an estimated 27 new units of rental housing for households earning up to 60% of Area Median Income. The Housing Authority will receive $810,000 to combine with other public and private sources of capital.
• Community Action of Skagit County is in the predevelopment phase of a 24-unit project in Mount Vernon known as Kulshan View. Funding awarded for this project totals $950,000 and will allow the creation of units affordable to renters earning between 30% and 60% of AMI.
• Family Promise was awarded $700,000 and plans to build 14 units in Sedro-Woolley, all for extremely low-income families earning up to 30% of AMI.

“Many low-income Skagitonians have essential jobs in the agricultural and service industries, and our economy suffers when these workers can’t afford to live here,” said County Commissioner Lisa Janicki. “They may commute long distances, pay more than they can really afford, or feel forced to live in crowded or unsafe places. It’s not good for any of us when our families have to make those kinds of tough choices.”

Skagit County solicits applications for economic development public facilities funding annually. In 2025, Skagit County had $4,000,000 available for awards to be used for economic development projects and $3,000,000 for affordable workforce housing projects. Awards were limited to $750,000 for economic development projects and $1,000,000 for individual workforce housing projects. Award criteria was set by the Skagit County Commissioners via Resolution #20250038 and more information on awards for economic development projects can be found in Resolution #20250137 and Resolution #20250142.