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Seattle City Council Advances $970M Property Tax for Affordable Housing
The Seattle City Council is one step closer to sending voters a $970 million property tax levy to build affordable housing, increase pay for human services workers, and fund homeownership programs.
The measure would renew and triple the existing Seattle Housing Levy, set to expire this year. Mayor Bruce Harrell, backed by affordable housing advocates and some city leaders, proposed the increase citing the rising cost of living and the increase in homelessness.
The council is expected to give final approval to the measure next Tuesday. Voters will weigh in during the November election when seven council seats will also be on the ballot.
With the funds, Seattle aims to fund the construction of 2,881 affordable rental apartments and 277 affordable homes for sale, in addition to improvements for 635 existing affordable apartments. The city will also spend up to $30 million on short-term loans for nonprofits to buy existing apartment buildings.
