HDC is proud to call the Renton Housing Authority (RHA) a member and a strong partner in the affordable housing movement. One of three housing authorities in the county, RHA works hard to provide quality and affordable homes within the vibrant Renton community.

RHA’s Sunset Court property includes 50 affordable homes, both town homes and apartments. This property benefited from the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. As a part of the financing, RHA had the opportunity to make a donation to a nonprofit. Recognizing HDC’s role as a systems change organization working through advocacy, education, and leadership to ensure a landscape where affordable housing development is a priority, RHA made their donation to support our work. We are so appreciative of the work RHA does to lead and support in our shared vision for a King County where everyone lives with dignity in safe, healthy, and affordable homes.

Beyond bringing us sunny days, summer fruits, and a stronger desire to jump in Lake Washington, June also signals the mid-way point of the year. With half of 2019 behind us and half ahead, we want to reflect on all the exciting things that HDC has been a part of this year with an eye towards what is to come.

So far this year HDC staff, our members, and our partners worked hard as passionate housing advocates to secure the following:

Seattle City Council adopted a city-wide Mandatory Housing Affordability program that Seattle’s growth works for all people. Developments in the urban villages will either have to include affordable housing or pay into a fund resulting in an estimated 6,300 affordable homes over the next decade.

Seattle City Council passed the Fort Lawton Redevelopment Plan. The former army reserve site was determined to be underutilized surplus land and now will be used to develop 237 affordable homes including supportive housing for seniors, apartments for low-income families, and affordable homeownership opportunities.

King County Council passed the Sewer Capacity Charge reduction for affordable housing developments. In order to build to scale and meet the tremendous need in our region, we need to alleviate some of the cost-drivers and obstacles to development. Reducing the impact fee for developments in King County will increase production by reducing cost.

Renton City Council passed their Rental Licensing and Inspection Program. This program will ensure Renton residents are living in healthy and quality housing by working with landlords and property managers to ensure rental properties, no matter the price or neighborhood, are healthy environments for their tenants.

Washington state legislature made historic investments in affordable housing with $175 million in the Housing Trust Fund, as well as passing HB 1406 which allows local governments to retain a portion of the sales to use for affordable housing and HB 1923 which incentives cities to implement housing policies focused on increasing housing options.

… and more! HDC members, partners, and allies took over 1,500 advocacy actions so far this year!

2019 has already been a year of amazing advocacy success, but our movement is also about learning and growing together though collaboration and conversation. HDC has hosted and co-hosted some amazing events so far this year.

Exemplary Building Task Force convening in January brought together funders, developers, and others to discuss building affordable, sustainable building to address both our housing and climate crises.

A Housing and Community Development summit that brought together over 70 leaders, staff, and organizers to discuss the affordable housing sector’s role in the larger landscape of community development alongside community-based organizations and funders.

Our Affordable Housing of Today event was an opportunity to engage over 30 elected officials and city staff from across the county on issues of affordable housing. We dove into topics of economic benefits, density done right, and more!

Our Housing and Mental Health summit held last month elevated the intersection of permanent supportive housing and other housing models that work to improve the outcomes and quality of life for people experiencing mental illness. Over 70 people who are engaged on the topic came together to discuss this important intersection and how we need to work collaboratively.

We held our fourth annual Affordable Housing Week with over 30 events, over 25 proclamations, and over 1,000 event attendees all dedicated to learning more about affordable housing and the solutions that we can and are adopting to meet our region’s need.

Thank you to all our members, partners, sponsors, and the entire affordable housing movement that has worked in community with us to make these past few months extremely successful and empowering. We are excited to continue this journey with you all!

Today, Seattle City Council voted 9-0 to implement the Fort Lawton Redevelopment Plan. This is the culmination of over a decade of work and energy from the Seattle Office of Housing and committed advocates who continue to show up and speak out on the importance of affordable homes.

(C) The Stranger

The former federal army reserve site at Fort Lawton is underutilized surplus land that through partnerships between the City and nonprofits Habitat for Humanity and Catholic Housing Services will be used to create 237 affordable homes. We have a tremendous need in our community for affordable housing and its gratifying to see our elected leaders acting with the urgency this moment demands.

The redevelopment includes homes for formerly homeless older adults, low-income families, and affordable homeownership opportunities. When we have a tool like surplus land in our toolbox, it is vitally important to make sure we are leveraging it to do the most public good by working across the income spectrum and addressing a range of needs.

Today’s success reminds us that often the goal of safe, healthy, and affordable homes is a marathon not a sprint. There were challenges and bumps along the way, but thanks to the commitment of the Office of Housing staff and committed advocates who engaged at every step of the process we are finally seeing results. Here at HDC we are proud to have worked alongside incredible elected leaders, passionate advocates, and responsive city staff. The affordable housing movement is one of many parts, but when we come together, we are able to put ourselves further on the path to safe, healthy, and affordable homes for all.

Take a moment to celebrate, and then join us as we continue this work. Sign up here to be notified for upcoming advocacy opportunities.

After years of convenings, collaboration, and dedication on the part of South King County cities elected officials and city staff, King County, and HDC staff, the South King Housing and Homelessness Partners (SKHHP) has emerged as a group leading the sub-regional collaboration needed to meet the needs of their communities.

Auburn, Burien, Covington, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Normandy Park, Renton, Tukwila, and King County have all committed to be a part of this group and fund it as it works to build staff capacity. The entity will work alongside cities to create housing strategy plans, fill their policy toolkits with the tools needed to address the local and regional housing gaps, and increase the capacity of these cities to build and preserve community-relevant affordable housing.

Last month, the Executive board of SKHHP met for the first time and are working on staffing up.

On the Friday of Affordable Housing Week, the SKHHP staff work group awarded HDC in recognition of our longstanding and continued commitment and leadership in South King County. Thank you for honoring the many staff over the year who have put in the work to be a strong partner in this work of bold collaboration and strong commitment to safe, healthy, and affordable homes for all.