Seattle's Affordable Housing Plan Blasted For Poor Timing

The Seattle City Council recently approved a new affordable housing plan allowing builders to develop larger buildings if they include a certain amount of affordable units. But developers say the plan is ill-timed and they plan on ignoring it.

1 minute read

December 17, 2008, 6:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"The affordable-housing program approved 6-3 by the Seattle City Council on Monday may be diluted past the point of effectiveness. And, in a recession, it could take years to know."

"Opponents and supporters agreed on that, at least, after a yearlong process to hash out the details of the new "incentive zoning" program."

"Developers who opt to use the program can build taller residential buildings in Seattle's neighborhoods, but they have to devote 17.5 percent of the additional space to homes for middle-income people. A similar program is already in place downtown."

"The business community is questioning the council's vote at a time when a locked-down credit market has stalled local building projects. Last week, 23 developers signed a letter to the City Council, saying they will ignore the program because it doesn't provide any real incentives to add affordable units."

Tuesday, December 16, 2008 in The Seattle Times

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

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