The measure would renew and triple the existing Seattle Housing Levy, which expires this year. City leaders say expanding affordable housing is crucial as the costs of living in the city continue to climb and more people experience homelessness.
The levy will allow Seattle to “continue to address the most pressing crisis we see playing out every day across our city and our region,” said Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda.
Mayor Bruce Harrell, backed by affordable housing advocates, proposed tripling the levy to $970 million in March. After two months of discussions, the Seattle City Council green-lighted the total levy amount and high-level spending plans with a unanimous 8-0 committee vote Wednesday. (Council President Debora Juarez was absent.) The council will take a final vote Tuesday to send the measure to the ballot.
