COVID-19 Advocacy Efforts
We’re proud to work alongside our local, state and national partners to urgently advance policy & responses that meet the growing needs of the entire affordable housing sector during the COVID-19 crisis.
Federal:
- HDC has urged King County’s Federal Delegation to throw full support behind the HEREOS Act. The House package would provide substantial supports for housing and human services. Read NLIHC’s analysis of the bill here.
- HDC is a member of the A.C.T.I.O.N. Coalition, which is calling for calling for immediate extensions to LIHTC deadlines. Here’s a brief analysis on the 4% Floor Credit Rate and impact on affordable rental homes.
- Housing Instability and Homelessness – CARES Act Suggestions all levels of government.
- In order to meet multiple short and long-term affordable housing needs, Enterprise is recommending that the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) receive $48 billion in supplemental appropriations.
- NLIHC has prepared Congressional Policy Recommendations addressing affordable housing and homelessness issues during the COVID-19 crisis.
- Valued allies at Enterprise Community Partners have developed a comprehensive list of recommended congressional actions.
- NCSHA is calling for immediate action around deadlines and accommodations related to the Housing Credit Program.
State:
- Governor Inslee extends eviction moratorium through June 4, including bans on late fees, bans rent increases, and covers several additional situations that will greatly protect tenants.
- HDC is circulating this letter calling for the non-profit community to play a key role in the development, administration & receipt of COVID-19 relief efforts at the state level. Huge thanks to WA nonprofits for leading on this effort. Sign your organization on in support today!
- HDC drafted a letter urging State and local officials to categorize activities related to housing construction as “essential functions”.
- Governor Inslee issued a “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” executive order on March 23, which halted all “non-essential activities.” HDC issued a request for clarification to determine which specific housing construction activities were exempt.
- Gov. Inslee’s office issued this Construction Guidance Memo in response.
- Department of Labor & Industry released this guidance for construction companies.
Local:
- HDC submitted a comment letter to Bellevue City Council calling on the Council to take immediate, revenue neutral actions to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on affordable housing production and preservation efforts.
- HDC also submitted a comment letter to Bellevue City Council regarding Ordinance 6513, which was unanimously passed by Council on May 18, and reduces parking space requirements in developments near frequent transit service.
- HDC led advocacy efforts regarding Seattle’s CB 119769, which passed will expedite affordable housing projects as we prepare to scale production to the level of need that is clearly being exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. You can thank Seattle City Council for their support here.
Reach out to Patience to learn more about our COVID-19 Advocacy response.
