Housing

City As Affordable Housing Developer?

It should be painfully obvious by now that a ‘free market solution’ to low-income housing (and at this rate—even quality, affordable housing) in Seattle...
Morales speaks at a podium and several rows of supporters hold signs in support of the EDI program and against the budget raid.

Rivera Walks Back Raid of Anti-Displacement Funds, Claims Critics Are Misinformed

After pushback, Councilmember Maritza Rivera backed off a push to pull back funding for the Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) but the episode spoke volumes about the city council's current goals.
Downtown Tacoma's stretch of Pacific Avenue hosts the Tacoma Link streetcar. (Photo by Doug Trumm)

Tacoma Quietly Rezoned Residential Areas in Latest Comp Plan Update

In late September, the Tacoma City Council approved a large slate of areawide rezones and future land use map designation changes, which primarily affected...

Harrell Proposes Design Review Exemption for Downtown Housing Projects

Mayor Harrell is hoping to activate downtown through greater housing development and his administration has proposed a design review exemption for qualifying housing and/or laboratory projects in the downtown core to encourage such growth.

EcoTHRIVE’s Burien Affordable Housing Village Secures Key Loan

But, meanwhile, the Burien City Council voted to pump the brakes on similar projects. This week ecoTHRIVE received some very good news related to its...

Downtown Mass-Timber Tower Project Meets Resistance at Seattle Landmark Board

Clark/Barnes architects want to transform a landmarked office building at Second Avenue and Pine Street into housing, adding 12 additional stories of mass timber construction to accommodate more homes. The innovative project is meeting significant opposition from nearby residents and historic preservation advocates.
Midrise commercial and residential in Lakeview including Ivar's and an office building

Kirkland Smaller Development Node Spotlight: A Jumble of Car-centric and Smart Density

Having covered developments in transforming Totem Lake as well as the Downtown and Rose Hill corridor, what remains to tally up in Kirkland are...

Facing Legal Appeals, Seattle Poised to Adopt Stopgap Middle Housing Upzones

An interim ordinance will allow Seattle to meet a state deadline, and decide how to allow four and six units on residential lots around the city. But exactly how to do that will likely be a hotly debated issue on the city council.