Housing Developments: The 93 Hour Work Week
King County Living Out of Reach For Many
The National Low Income Housing Coalition has released its 2018 Out of Reach report cataloging the high cost of living throughout the country. The report’s findings show the huge gap between the incomes of low-wage workers and their region’s housing wage. Last year the recorded hourly rate needed to live in a two bedroom rental in King County was $29.69. This year it is $36.12. With the minimum wage for the State being $11.50, it would require an individual to work around 93 hours a week to afford to stay here.
Other developments…
- Seattle City Council Votes to Repeal Employee Head Tax. On Tuesday June 12th, the City Council voted, with a seven person majority, to repeal the Head Tax. Council members Mosqueda and Sawant voted against the repeal.
- King County Council committee will meet on implementation of Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy. Tuesday, June 19th at 1:30 the Health, Housing, and Human Services committee is holding a special meeting for public comment on the levy, and possibly will take action steps forward. HDC will be there to support the forward momentum of the levy as it seeks to fund more affordable housing and other crucial social service programs. Join us!
- King County Metro “resets” RFP for Northgate. King County Metro has restarted the process of looking for a developer to build the neighborhood’s newest transit oriented affordable housing. These homes will be built on public land near the new light rail station. “If there’s the potential that by offering the land for free we can get additional affordable-housing units, then we want to do that.”-Diane Carlson, Director of Capital Projects.
- WA CAN calls on Federal Way for Rental Inspection Ordinance. Residents are claiming that property management unfairly discriminated and charged unnecessary fees. CAN is asking the Federal Way City Council for better regulations in order to protect tenants.
- Pioneer Human Services announces new development of affordable housing building. The building will be in Capitol Hill with 90 units as well as support services such as classrooms and community spaces.
- King County’s One Table initiative moves forward. After the repeal of the Head Tax this past week, the previously stalled regional initiative will be coming back to the forefront to make its recommendations for tackling affordable housing.
- Candidates for WA 48th district discuss homelessness. Candidates Amy Walen and Cindi Bright discussed homelessness, systemic contributors, and necessary social services in their answers to tackling the problems facing constituents.
- King County officials express concern over Seattle tiny homes. King County Human Services Director Adrienne Quinn expressed concerns over tiny homes impacting federal funding for the region. HUD counts those in tiny homes as still unsheltered.
- Seattle’s ADU/DADU Draft EIS Comment Period Open: The City is accepting comments on its Accessory Dwelling Unit Draft EIS until next Monday, June 25th.
- Unique opportunity for Bellevue advocates: The Bellevue Essentials program for emerging community leaders to learn about various public and community development processes. Apply to be part of the 2018 class by August 1st.
- Redmond’s first budget hearing of the season coming up 6/19. HDC will be there to urge continued support for the Eastside Housing Trust Fund. Redmond advocates- join us!
- Capitol Hill Station Groundbreaking tomorrow! Once completed, the development will include 428 new homes, 42% of which will be affordable to households at or below 30%, 50%, and 60% AMI.
- What will we do in 2019 for safe, healthy, affordable homes for all? Staff at HDC member organizations: Use this survey to help us identify our policy priorities for next year. Want more information on how to get involved? Contact Sara Wamsley.
