The Seattle City Council has made adjustments to the $970 million housing levy spending plan, with a particular focus on homelessness prevention. Council members have approved changes that they believe will increase spending in this area.
Councilmember Cathy Moore, who chairs the House and Human Services Committee, explains that these changes will allow the city to fulfill its initial promise of building 3,000 desperately-needed affordable homes under the 2023 levy. Additionally, the adjustments aim to provide more opportunities for first-time home ownership and significantly expand rental assistance to proactively prevent homelessness.
Among the approved changes is the use of interest earnings from levy funds to increase funding for the Homelessness Prevention Program. This program assists households at imminent risk of homelessness by allowing them to remain housed, providing case management, rental and utility assistance, and other support services.
The council has also added new objectives and priorities to the housing levy. This includes a focus on housing for individuals recovering from substance use disorders, as well as for those who were formerly in the foster care system and U.S. veterans.
In line with the council’s commitment to data collection and reporting, the adjustments also require increased reporting on vacancies in affordable housing buildings. This will help ensure that the available housing is being utilized effectively.
The $970 million housing levy was approved by voters in 2023 with the goal of creating 3,100 new affordable homes, stabilizing the supportive housing workforce, and providing tools to prevent homelessness and ensure housing stability for over 9,000 low-income households. Notably, the plan also includes funding to increase wages for workers who provide services to low-income residents, marking a significant milestone in the 40-year history of the levy.
