A new regional transit oriented development initiative in Seattle will focus on affordable housing and walkable communities. The Executive's Transit Station Housing and Development Initiative will partner King County and Sound Transit.
"Transit centers across the region could see a huge boost in affordable housing over the coming years. Under a new regional initiative, some 700 affordable workforce housing units could be developed on or near light rail stations," reports Stephen Fesler.
"King County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair Dow Constantine revealed the $83 million plan yesterday. A central goal of the initiative is to create walkable and economically diverse communities around light rail stations."
The press release announcing the Executive's Transit Station Housing and Development Initiative, linked above, lists three potential sources of funding for the initiative, including $45 million over six years from King County Housing Bonds, $18 million from the Regional Equitable Development Initiative, and $20 million over four years if the Sound Transit 3 transit funding initiative is approved, if and when it appears before voters.
FULL STORY: REGIONAL INITIATIVE TO CREATE 700 AFFORDABLE WORKFORCE HOUSING UNITS

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie