In 2016, Seattle passed a $290 million housing levy to fund affordable rental housing for low-income Seattle residents — primarily people with disabilities, seniors, families with children, formerly homeless individuals and families, and people working in low-wage jobs.
The levy, which had a median cost of $122 a year for Seattle homeowners ($10.17 a month), is set to expire this year, leaving the Seattle City Council to develop a proposal to renew it over the next couple of months.
“Through the housing levy in Seattle, we in Seattle have been able to invest in first-time homeownership opportunities. In addition to creating more rental units, we’ve created housing stability for 1000’s of families,” Seattle City Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda said ahead of public comment. “And as we know, this provides a solid foundation for maintaining health and well-being so that people can participate in their local community and local economy, create pathways out of generational poverty, and work towards greater economic stability and self-resiliency and sustainability for communities and families.”
