Chimacum Commons Project

“This project is a standout example of collaboration between local nonprofits and an example of how the County can support innovative housing projects that secure workforce housing for local residents.”
- Board of Jefferson County Commissioners

The Olympic Housing Trust is partnering with Jefferson Land Trust — a local nonprofit land conservation organization focused on protecting farmland, forests, and fish and wildlife habitat — on a profound new project that will blend farming, habitat, and housing.

This project will be the first of its kind. 

Jefferson Land Trust is the owner of approximately 16 acres of property in Chimacum, Washington. The property has farmland, open space, and creek habitat, and is managed to protect these natural features in perpetuity.

The Land Trust has long considered the potential to dedicate a portion of the property to be permanently used for affordable housing in support of its focus on protecting local farmland and its longstanding commitment to supporting our local farmers, farms, and food system.

The two organizations recognize the need for affordable housing among the food-system workers who help sustain healthy working farmland. At this time, the organizations are exploring how this project may be best designed to meet the housing needs of these integral stewards of our local farmland. With this collaborative relationship, both organizations can pursue their respective missions in sync with the needs of the broader community. 

Chimacum Commons will likely include a mix of homeownership and
rental options in a variety of housing types for qualifying residents of
Jefferson County. This spectrum of options reflects the many community
interviews and design charettes attended by our local workforce.

DESIGN GOALS 

The Olympic Housing Trust and Jefferson Land Trust have agreed to five design goals: 

1. Design with future generations in mind

2. Respond to needs of residents and the agriculture economy in the area

3. Respect, enhance and highlight the scenic values of the property

4. Design to have low environmental impact and build with local and low-impact materials

5. Optimize the number of permanently affordable housing units and the number of people living in them

Are you a food-system worker?
Please fill out this survey!
It will help us understand the need of who could be served.

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