OLYMPIA – There is an increased demand for affordable housing in the South King County area, which has led to projects seeking support from the state government. In the proposed House Capital Budget, $175 million is allocated to the Housing Trust Fund to fund and renovate affordable housing units serving vulnerable populations. One project included this year is the Redondo Heights Transit-Oriented Development, a 262 unit workforce housing project adjacent to the Redondo Heights Park and Ride and was advanced and sponsored by State Rep. Jamila Taylor (D-Federal Way).
The project would receive $3 million in funds under the House Capital Budget proposal, which would go to new construction costs. The project requires renovation of the existing 132 units as well as the creation of 130 new affordable housing units, which would include 6 studio apartments, 76 one-bedroom apartments, 126 two-bedroom apartments, and 54 three-bedroom apartments.
“There is a clear need for more affordable housing in Federal Way, especially those with greater transit access, and I am proud to have pushed to ensure Redondo Heights is included in our House Capital Budget,” said Taylor. “Investing in affordable housing to expand access to these housing programs benefits people in our community who are low-income, or struggling to make ends meet, and more often than not are people of color. I am excited that Redondo Heights will help address racial inequities, build housing units that will help families who are hurting right now, and boost the local economy with good-paying construction jobs.”
The project is sponsored by Multi-Service Center, a non-profit organization focused on addressing homelessness and poverty, and worked with Taylor to identify the funding needs to be included in the Capital Budget.
“The Multi-Service Center is thrilled that the state is including funding for the Redondo Heights affordable housing property in its capital budget,” said Robin Corak, CEO of Multi-Service Center. “The need for affordable housing options in South King County is significant. The Redondo Heights project will help to meet that need on a large scale by not only preserving and improving 132 units of existing affordable housing for working families, but also by adding an additional 130 units of affordable, transit-oriented workforce housing with amenities designed to build community and on-site services to help tenants maximize personal and financial success.
“We are excited about the opportunity to help those who may be struggling to afford market rate rent to access high quality, affordable housing and we commend legislators’ foresight and vision in including Redondo Heights in their capital budget,” she added.
The Capital Budget is set to pass the House this week and the final budget will be negotiated with the Senate and approved before the session ends on April 25.
