CITY OF SEATTLE
RESOLUTION _________________
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A RESOLUTION relating to low income housing; accompanying an ordinance requesting the 2016 Housing Levy Renewal and providing further direction regarding implementation of the programs to be funded by such levy.
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WHEREAS, since 1981 Seattle voters have approved four ballot measures to provide affordable housing for low-income residents; and
WHEREAS, all of the prior housing levy measures have exceeded established production goals for units developed and households assisted; and
WHEREAS, there continues to be a need for additional affordable housing for low-income residents; and
WHEREAS, in an effort to meet the need for affordable housing, the Mayor and the City Council are submitting to the voters a $290 million, seven-year low-income housing levy ("2016 Housing Levy"); and
WHEREAS, social equity has been one of the core values guiding The City of Seattle's (City's) Comprehensive Plan since its adoption in 1994, and the displacement of longtime resident and community anchors undermines the City's commitment to equity; and
WHEREAS, the City's 2008 study, titled "Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing in Seattle," identifies impediments to fair housing in Seattle, stating: "An inadequate supply of affordable housing in Seattle exacerbates fair housing challenges by impeding housing choice. Seattle's robust private housing market continues to fuel migration of low-income and minority residents toward areas outside of the city as rents and home prices escalate;" and
WHEREAS, Seattle has attempted various strategies for addressing this fair housing impediment, yet the 2014-2017 Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development states that "[d]espite numerous public programs and policies to preserve and expand affordable housing, the force of the private market continues to drive a decline in housing affordability that translates into reduced housing choice for protected classes, who are dispropo...
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