Affordable Housing Week 2020 Recap
“COVID layered a housing emergency on top of a long-term housing crisis, making it even more important that we work with urgency to find housing solutions… It’s critical that we work together to find regional solutions to keep people in their homes now and to create more affordable homes into the future so that every family in King County has a safe, stable place to call home.”
– King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci
For the last five years, Affordable Housing Week has been a time for us to gather as a sector to reflect on equitable policy solutions that we, as a region, can implement to ensure all our neighbors have access to safe, healthy and affordable homes. This year was no exception – the same familiar events and spirit of AHW past… but entirely online.
In the midst of the most devastating public health challenges our community has ever faced, AHW was a time to refocused on addressing the housing needs within our community, which have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis and have disproportionately impacted Black, Indigenous and People of color (BIPOC) and low-income people.
Together, we shared stories, we listened, we learned. Over 1,500 participants joined for the week’s events.
In sum, AHW consisted of a total of 10 events hosted by 18 HDC members and partners. From elected officials to engaged advocates, this week was an opportunity for all King County residents to come together as part of the affordable housing movement.
Being stuck at home did not make thing easy, this was our first-ever entirely online AHW. So, we all had to get creative. Events consisted of virtual panels, tours, workshops, and trainings to the housing solutions that are within our reach when we collaborate as a movement! All the events were recorded and have been published. If you missed or would like to share an event, please do so – that is the best perk of online events!
King County’s growing need for affordable housing is a regional problem and impacts all municipalities. Together, as a movement, we gathered
16 proclamations from jurisdictions across King County (including King County itself) recognizing this important week.
Lastly, we created a zoning/land use themed “Know Your Zone” Community Scavenger Hunt, so folks could apply lessons learned during the week to housing in their own communities. Prompts included finding various housing types, locating amenities such as transit hubs and public spaces.
Thank you all who participated, whether it be by attending or hosting your own event. This week could not have been so successful without your hard work, dedication, and commitment to affordable homes in our region.
