BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – More tools could be on the way to combat the housing crisis in Bellingham.

Bellingham City Council approved two ordinances last week aimed at expanding affordable housing opportunities for families.

The first would allow middle housing to be built in almost all residentially zoned areas of the city instead of being limited to specific neighborhoods and zones. Middle housing includes duplexes, townhomes and shared courtyard housing, and is generally more affordable than single-family homes.

The interim ordinance goes into effect on June 3 and would bring the city into compliance with new state laws on middle housing that will be required in 2026.

The other ordinance seeks to amend the city’s multi-family tax exemption program, which offers incentives for developers to build affordable housing in designated urban villages.

If approved, the ordinance would increase the income threshold needed to be eligible and expand the program to more areas in the city, among other changes.

The council will take a final vote on the proposed changes at its meeting on June 9.

Both ordinances fall in line with Mayor Kim Lund’s executive order last fall to accelerate affordable housing options in Bellingham.