EO 25-12 Department of Housing Task Force

In December 2025, Governor Bob Ferguson signed Executive Order 25-12, creating the Washington State Task Force on the establishment of a Department of Housing. The Task Force is charged with developing recommendations for a new cabinet-level housing agency focused on expanding housing supply, better aligning state housing programs, and addressing housing needs across Washington. By November 15, 2026, the Housing Task Force will provide a report to the Governor and Legislature with recommendations.

Task Force meetings

Between February and November of 2026, the Housing Task Force will meet to review research and stakeholder engagement and use those to form recommendations.

The first meeting of the Task Force was held on February 13, 2026. Task Force meetings will be held virtually on the second Wednesday of each month. A registration link will be posted prior to each meeting. Registration is required to attend. Members of the public are welcome to attend and provide public comment.

Meeting materials

• EO 25-12 Housing Task Force Meeting Materials (Box)

2026 Meeting schedule

Registration links will be posted one week prior to each meeting.

• April 8, 2026, meeting at 9:00 a.m.
• May 13, 2026, meeting at 9:00 a.m.
• June 10, 2026, meeting at 9:00 a.m.
• July 8, 2026, meeting at 9:00 a.m.
• August 12, 2026, meeting at 9:00 a.m.
• September 9, 2026, meeting at 9:00 a.m.
• October 14, 2026, meeting at 9:00 a.m.
• November 2026- meeting date yet to be determined.

Previous meetings

• Recording of February 2026 meeting (MP4)

Timeline and report deliverables

The Task Force will submit a final report to the Governor by November 15, 2026.

The report will include recommendations on:

• The proposed structure and governance of a new Department of Housing, including which existing state functions should be included;
• An operational plan outlining programs, services, staffing, and resources;
• Opportunities to improve the administration of Washington’s existing affordable housing and homeless programs;
• Estimated costs associated with the reorganization, including technology and data systems;
• A proposed process and timeline for implementation; and
• Benchmarks to measure the effectiveness of the new Department of Housing.

Task force structure

The Task Force includes 19 members appointed by state leaders, representing:

• The Governor’s Office and key state agencies;
• The Legislature;
• Local governments and housing authorities;
• Tribal governments; and
• Housing development sectors, both nonprofit and for-profit.

A governor-nominated Chair will lead the Task Force, setting the agenda and guiding meetings.