A Practical Approach to Increase Housing Options, Pasco, WA

Pasco has made considerable strides to address the growing housing affordability challenges. Following the adoption of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan, the staff utilized a variety of state and national resources and guidance to identify practical housing policy solutions. Over the past 12 months, the City of Pasco has adopted significant zoning reforms that have eliminated restrictive zoning policies while also increasing housing opportunities that improve mobility options.In 2021, Pasco was one of five cities selected nationally, to participate in a Housing Solutions Lab hosted by the New York University Furman Center and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. In 2022, Pasco was selected to work with the NYU Furman Center and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to solve existing barriers between housing and public health.  Pasco is currently working on a Housing Action and Implementation Plan, which received funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce.

Jacob Gonzalez
City of Pasco

Jacob Gonzalez has been with Pasco's Community and Economic Development Department since September 2018.  Jacob oversees the long-range planning efforts for Pasco's Comprehensive Plan, housing, land-use, transportation, and community development programs. Jacob is particularly focused on identifying strategies that increase community access to housing and transportation.

Prior to joining the city, Jacob worked with the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments and Puget Sound Regional Council. He has served on the Board of United Way of Benton & Franklin Counties, the United States Census Transportation Planning Committee, and Downtown Pasco Development Authority and is currently a Board Member with Washington State Main Street Program. Jacob earned his Bachelor of Arts in geography from the University of Washington and is currently pursuing his master's in public administration from Claremont Lincoln University. He enjoys traveling across the United States and internationally documenting his travels with his camera.