Seattle Could Upzone its Way to Affordability

Daniel Beekman reports on a proposed rezoning of neighborhoods in Seattle after "officials [last week] released detailed maps [pdf] showing how some the city’s densest neighborhoods could become denser."

The changes are included in the city's proposed Mandatory Housing Affordability program, championed by Mayor Ed Murray and moving through City Council.

Beekman describes the upzoning proposal as half of a "grand bargain" to ensure housing affordability, as intended by the Mandatory Housing Affordability program.

"The council has already passed legislation requiring developers to help the city create rent-restricted housing when they build new projects, either on-site or via fees," as the other half of the grand bargain equation, according to Beekman.