“Decisions are made by those who show up!” Many urban planners and elected officials love this quote, because it appears to praise the American government as inclusive. We know this is not the case, but since we cannot quickly and realistically change the decision-making process, we need you to participate in it! Sending emails is a good start, but the most effective way to make sure your elected leaders know what’s important to you and your community members is to speak at public meetings. It can be very intimidating, but it’s very important!
Act Now: Tell HUD to Protect Families
HUD (US Department of Housing and Urban Development) has proposed a new rule called “Housing and Community Development Act of 1980: Verification of Eligible Status (FR-6524)” that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to access federal housing assistance.
Right now, mixed-status families are allowed to live together in HUD housing, with assistance going to eligible family members. This proposal would end that long-standing policy and could force families to separate or risk eviction and homelessness. It could impact millions of people—including children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities—not just immigrants.
We believe families deserve to stay together and safely housed.
The most direct way to make your voice heard is by submitting a public comment at regulations.gov. HUD is accepting comments until April 21, 2026.
How to Submit Your Comment
-
Draft your comment. Every comment should:
-
Begin by stating your opposition:
“I strongly oppose HUD’s proposed rule ‘Housing and Community Development Act of 1980: Verification of Eligible Status (FR-6524).’” -
Name your demand:
“The Trump administration should immediately withdraw its current proposal.” -
Share a personal story about why this issue matters to you.
-
Tell HUD what you would like them to do instead, such as:
“Work with Congress to make major new investments in federal housing programs and take actions that ensure everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home.”
-
-
Not sure what to say? Here you will find other examples.
Families belong together. Housing is a basic need. Let’s make sure our voices are heard.
2026 Legislative Session Priority Actions
We are actively tracking several bills across four categories:
-
Community Safety & Protection, including immigrant community protections
-
Police Accountability
-
Housing & Decriminalizing Homelessness
-
Progressive Revenue
……………….
Important 2026 session dates for the Washington State Legislature
The 2026 session is from January 12 until March 12. Below are important dates; more information can be found here: https://leg.wa.gov/bills-meetings-and-session/session/
- January 12: First day of session.
- February 4: Policy Committee Cutoff. Last day to read in committee reports in house of origin, except House fiscal committees and Senate Ways & Means and Transportation committees.
- February 9: Fiscal Committee Cutoff. Last day to read in committee reports from House fiscal committees and Senate Ways & Means and Transportation committees in house of origin.
- February 17: House of Origin Cutoff. Last day to consider bills in house of origin (5 pm).
- February 25: Policy Committee Cutoff – Opposite House. Last day to read in committee reports from opposite house, except House fiscal committees and Senate Ways & Means and Transportation committees.
- March 2: Fiscal Committee Cutoff – Opposite House. Last day to read in opposite house committee reports from House fiscal committees and Senate Ways & Means and Transportation committees.
- March 6: Opposite House Cutoff. Until 5 pm, last day to consider opposite house bills with the exception of budgets, matters necessary to implement budgets, matters that affect state revenue, initiatives to the legislature and alternatives, differences between the two houses, and business related to the interim or closing the session.
- March 12: Sine Die. Last day allowed for regular session under state constitution.
……………….
Sign up for our email list to receive announcements and calls to action.