THE REAL BLOG

Real Briefings Civic Commentary | Real Housing Reform Initiative | realhousingreform.org Mayor Kim Lund's 2026 State of the City address is a polished nine-minute video covering Bellingham's past year and the road ahead. It's worth watching. It's also worth reading against the city's own documents — because when you do, the gap between the vision language on screen and the numbers buried in the city's housing plan is no rounding error. It is $133 million dollars a year. The T

Washington State faces a housing crisis manufactured by its own regulatory system. According to the Building Industry Association of Washington's 2024 study, regulations imposed at local, state, and federal levels account for approximately $204,000—or 29.5%—of the median new home sales price of $690,701 . In some counties, regulatory costs alone add over $164,000 to the cost of each new home. These aren't just abstract numbers. They represent middle-class families priced out

This is what happens with the residents are not kept informed on what policy changes are happening.

We’re for ADUs that help real homeowners stay solvent, not for fantasy policies that no one can actually build or buy into.

“Now you see it — now you don’t.” In most magic shows, the illusionist hides a rabbit. In Bellingham’s Planning Department, they hide developable land. The Setup City planners love to talk about “limited buildable land.”They point to charts and maps that show a shrinking supply, then use that “evidence” to justify higher density, smaller lots, and new fees. But behind the curtain lies a trick that would make Houdini proud: they don’t just measure land — they make it vanish on

Bellingham housing costs aren’t just market forces. Government policies limit homeownership choices, pushing rentals over single-family homes.

Bellingham’s Greenways Levy and watershed programs have been sold to voters as ways to preserve open space, protect water, and improve quality of life. But behind the positive branding lies a more complicated reality: millions of taxpayer dollars are being used to acquire land that often removes developable property from the city’s future housing supply. This post explores how these programs really work — and why they matter for housing, affordability, and growth in Bellingha

Let’s talk about parking—because no one at City Hall wants you to. In addition to rebranding multifamily rentals as “Middle Housing” to...

Discover the truth about middle housing. Who really benefits from zoning reform—developers, homeowners, or first-time buyers? Dive into the equity and impact of middle housing.

Discover the best down payment assistance programs in Washington State. From veterans to first-time buyers, find out which program fits your needs and how to apply.

Discover how Washington State’s Covenant Homeownership Program offers up to $150,000 in 0% interest loans to families historically excluded from housing. Learn how this equity-driven initiative is changing lives.

Cities claim to boost affordable housing with new zoning laws—but hidden costs like impact fees, permits, and utility charges are making real affordability impossible. Discover what your city isn't telling you.