King County’s Charter Amendment No. 2

With significant support from King County residents, King County Charter Amendment No. 2 Passes!

Thank you all for voting, advocating, and educating others on this critical resource for affordable housing in our community.

The King County Regional Affordable Housing Task Force determined that we need to build or preserve an additional 244,000 housing units by 2040 to meet our region’s affordable housing needs. Making government-owned surplus properties available at an affordable price is one important strategy to help achieve the goal.

King County owns a significant amount of surplus property. The state legislature recently changed state law to enable these properties to be made available at a lower price for affordable housing. Old language in the County Charter is, however, inconsistent with the amended state law and requires sale at higher prices.

This amendment will now allow the sale of certain surplus properties at a lower price when the property is to be used for affordable housing. This simple modification in the charter conforms the charter to revised state law and will help facilitate the construction of affordable housing across the county.

 Learn More Through Our Video Voter Guide:

Voter Pamphlet Language:

“Section 230.10.10 of the King County charter will be amended to remove a charter restriction on the county’s authority to transfer, lease or sell real property for less than fair market value when the property will be used for affordable housing,” (See page 15)