The League of Women Voters of the San Juans (LWVSJ) will host an affordable housing panel presentation and public discussion at noon on Monday, March 13 at the Friday Harbor Grange. Panelists include Friday Harbor Mayor Carrie Lacher, County Housing and Community Services Department Director Mark Tompkins, Community Development Department Director Erika Shook and County Councilman Rick Hughes.

All county residents are affected by the lack of affordable housing. Employers, workers, government, public and social services are all stressed by the housing problem. Islanders risk damaging their quality of life and the fabric of their community unless they find solutions.

The league is committed to exploring what steps we can take as a community to make sure safe and affordable housing is available for all the individuals and families who call the islands home.

Everyone is welcome. The program is scheduled to accommodate inter-island ferry travel. The Grange is three blocks from the Friday Harbor ferry landing.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For further information, go to www.lwvwa.org.