By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
The City of Seattle and King County have announced a combined $134 million investment to produce 939 affordable homes across the region, marking a significant step in addressing the area’s ongoing housing crisis. While the announcements were made separately, the collaboration underscores the shared commitment of city and county leaders to increase housing options for low-income residents.
King County Executive Dow Constantine highlighted the importance of this initiative.
“Affordable housing plays a vital role in creating vibrant communities that allow everyone the opportunity to thrive. From young families to veterans exiting homelessness, and seniors wanting to age in place, the Housing Finance Program investments expand the region’s affordable housing options and create stability for communities,” said Constantine. “Thank you to all our housing providers, building partners, and the cities around the region who work with us to increase affordable housing for all people.”
Seattle and King County face immense challenges in housing affordability, compounded by a booming local economy and an influx of high-paying jobs that drive up housing demand. In response, Seattle has adopted a multi-faceted approach that includes policies, programs, and funding initiatives aimed at creating equitable housing solutions.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell emphasized the role of the 2023 Housing Levy in tackling these issues.
“Today’s investment in affordable housing reflects our shared commitment to building a more affordable and equitable city. By leveraging the voter-approved Housing Levy and working together with our community partners, we are creating affordable homes that will serve generations of Seattle residents,” said Harrell. “This is how we advance our One Seattle vision and ensure that everyone, regardless of income, has a place to call home in our growing and thriving city.”
As part of this initiative, King County has allocated $26 million for nine developments that will yield 848 new homes, renovate 66 rental units, and create 25 homeownership opportunities over the next five years. These investments prioritize housing for those with the lowest incomes, individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and locations near public transit.
Seattle’s share of the investment includes $108 million, awarded through the 2024 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), to support the construction of 655 new affordable homes. These funds represent a significant boost to Seattle’s housing stock, helping to meet growing demand while maintaining long-term affordability. The scale of the need is staggering: the Washington State Department of Commerce estimates that by 2044, nearly 200,000 additional affordable units will be required to accommodate people living on low and fixed incomes in King County.
Maiko Winkler-Chin, director of Seattle’s Office of Housing, expressed the broader impact of these investments.
“We’re proud to put $108 million toward affordable rental housing, bringing us closer to a Seattle where everyone can have a healthy, affordable place to call home,” said Winkler-Chin. “This funding is about more than just creating housing. It is about preventing displacement and providing real opportunities for people and families to stay connected to their communities. None of this happens without strong partnerships and listening to what our neighborhoods truly need.”
Seattle Councilmember Cathy Moore shared her enthusiasm for the positive impact of these investments.
“As Chair of Seattle’s Housing Committee, I am eager to see the positive impact this year’s funding will have on our community,” said Moore. “It is an honor to work with the Seattle Office of Housing and our community partners, and I am excited to join them in celebrating the city’s investments in affordable housing.”
Organizations receiving funding include African Community Housing Development (ACHD), Habitat for Humanity, and the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI). Projects supported by this funding aim to address diverse community needs. For instance, Chief Seattle Club’s Sweetgrass Flats will provide 84 units of permanent supportive housing for Native American residents.
“This milestone brings us closer to achieving our goal of 1,000 housing units by 2030,” said Derrick Belgarde, executive director of Chief Seattle Club. “King County has been a transformative partner as a funder, thought leader, and collaborator as we jointly tackle the housing and homelessness crises facing our region.”
LIHI’s Skyway Family Housing project is another beneficiary, offering 54 energy-efficient apartments and an early learning center to serve residents and the surrounding community.
“The King County housing award to LIHI’s Skyway Family Housing project made it possible for us to leverage state Housing Trust Fund and other financing to construct 54 new energy-efficient apartments,” said Sharon Lee, executive director of LIHI. “Skyway, located in unincorporated King County, will benefit tremendously as it is a majority-minority neighborhood that has historically been underserved.”
