CITY OF SEATTLE
RESOLUTION __________________
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A RESOLUTION requesting evaluation of residential displacement as it relates to increases in development capacity in certain areas; and declaring the Council's intent to consider strategies to mitigate any loss of subsidized affordable units and naturally occurring affordable units resulting from an increase in development capacity.
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WHEREAS, Race and Social Equity is one of the core value of Seattle 2035, Seattle's Comprehensive Plan for growth over the next 20 years, and the displacement of longtime, lower-income residents undermines the City's commitment to equity; and
WHEREAS, the City's vision states, "...[a]s Seattle grows, its housing supply grows and adapts to meet the needs of all households, regardless of color or income, including families with children, seniors, and people who have disability...Our growing city does not force people from their homes; they are able to stay in their neighborhoods, with their established community resources and cultural institutions;" and
WHEREAS, in Seattle 2035, the City defines displacement as "the involuntary relocation of residents or businesses from their current location. Direct displacement is the result of eviction, acquisition, rehabilitation, or demolition of property, or the expiration of covenants on rent/income-restricted housing. Indirect displacement occurs when residents or businesses can no longer afford escalating rents or property taxes"; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that displacement has negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Seattle has been shaped by its history of racial segregation and the economic displacement of communities of color and rising housing costs affect marginalized populations the most; and
WHEREAS, Seattle's population of people of color increased from 26 percent in 1990 to 34 percent in 2010...People of color make up 41 percent of the population li...
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