City, CWU Officials Discuss Housing Crunch

City of Ellensburg and Central Washington University officials discussed housing, transit, student-city relationships, community policing and mental health services during a wide-ranging meeting Wednesday.

The Ellensburg City Council and members of the CWU cabinet meet periodically to discuss issues of common interest, and housing was a focus Wednesday. Over the past nine months, community members have expressed concern about a lack of affordable housing in the community and where projects might go.

CWU President Jim Gaudino said the university’s residence halls are at 95 percent capacity. The lack of vacancies poses a problem because the university cannot update the structures when they are full. The past, CWU has kept one hall vacant to make updates on a rotation.

As far as future projects, Gaudino said CWU may shift some of its focus from dorms to apartments. Students are looking for homes and are focused on cohabitation, he said. They want places they can live with their dogs and cook meals.

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