Social Housing

Alexis and Shaun stand in a picnic area with trees and the pipes and beams of Gas Works in the background.

Rinck Retools Housing Affordability Bonus with More Density

Alexis Mercedes Rinck's new "Roots to Roofs" bill would provide zoning bonuses for community-based organizations to build housing and other cultural spaces, building on the rejected Connected Communities pilot. It already has the support of Land Use Chair Mark Solomon.
A group of about 20 advocates pose with signs next to House-y the social housing mascot

Harrell Proposes $2 Million Loan to Kickstart Seattle Social Housing Developer

On Monday, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced a proposal for a $2 million bridge loan to the Seattle Social Housing Developer. Harrell campaigned against the successful grassroots social housing funding measure in the recent February election, but is pledging support going forward.
Tenants hold signs saying "hold bad landlords accountable" and "everyone deserves dignified housing" and "SROC stands against abusive landlords" and "workers rights = renters' rights"

Op-Ed: Five Ways to Lower Rents in Seattle

Here are five things Seattle leaders could be doing to lower your rent, in observance of Affordable Housing Week.
Bruce Harrell in a suit standing at a lectern. MLK Labor’s Executive Secretary-Treasurer Katie Garrow is to the left and OSE Director Jessyn Farrell to the right. A hazy Seattle skyline is in the background from Queen Anne vantage.

Op-Ed: Bruce Harrell Is a Failed Mayor on Housing

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has failed on housing, Ron Davis writes. Whether kickstarting a homegrown social housing push, encouraging a wide diversity of market-rate housing, or scaling up traditional nonprofit low-income housing to meet the need, Harrell’s halfhearted efforts have fallen flat.
Ry stands in front of a Greek column with their arms crossed

Ry Armstrong Lays Out Progressive Contrast Against Mayor Harrell

Last month, actor and union representative Ry Armstrong jumped in the Seattle mayor's race, arguing Bruce Harrell is dropping the ball on a plethora of issues. In their interview with The Urbanist, Armstrong explained what they'd do differently.
Social housing advocates stand on the steps of Seattle City Hall with their house mascot.

How Seattle Social Housing Advocates Campaigned to Victory

House Our Neighbors led a campaign that overcame a flood of corporate cash against them. Here's how they did it, and what comes next to grow social housing in Seattle and ignite a broader movement.
A house mascot and a dozen sign wielding advocates standing in front of the glass spheres.

Social Housing Proposition 1A Prevails, Gains 20-Point Lead in Thursday Count

Proposition 1A has won the special election to decide the fate of social housing in Seattle. After leading by 15 points on election night, Prop 1A continued to expand its lead in subsequent ballot counts, reaching a 20-point advantage on Thursday. Ultimately, it ended up being a 26-point win.
A group of about 20 advocates pose with signs next to House-y the social housing mascot

Social Housing Proposition 1A Up Big In Early Returns

Proposition 1A grabbed nearly 58% of the election night vote tally, signaling social housing is on the way to victory in Seattle. The measure would tax big businesses to raise about $53 million annually to fund social housing.