Inclusionary Zoning

Extreme Heat and the Legacy of Racist Housing Policies in Seattle

A hot summer day in Seattle may be scorching in the Central District, a historically Black neighborhood, while North Capitol Hill, home to many...

Mayor Durkan Signs into Law Mandatory Housing Affordability Rezoning 27 Urban Villages

The bills' signage marks the end of a long fight by housing advocates to get affordability requirements enshrined in Seattle law. Before a crowd of...

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Shows Big Possibilities for MHA Rezones

The Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the zoning changes its proposing in urban...

First Look: City Keys Up 5% To 7% MHA For Chinatown-International District Rezone

The Chinatown-International District area is next up for rezoning under the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda program, which seeks to pair rezones with Mandatory...

Let’s Talk Inclusionary Zoning: An Interview With Rachel Meltzer

Below is an interview transcript with Rachel Meltzer. This transcript is part of a series of interviews that are meant to shed light on...
A five story building with yellow insulation before siding is added.

Editorial: Seattle Should Not Pass Transportation Impact Fees

Facing a housing slowdown, foisting more costs onto new homes to fund a hodgepodge of transportation projects is a terrible idea. The four members of...

Kenmore Considers McMansion Tax in Zoning Overhaul

Kenmore is considering a mandatory inclusionary zoning policy that would not be paired with funding or incentives — passing affordability costs onto homebuilders. But, in a shift away from the Planning Commission’s recommendation, the City Council directed staff to draft a policy that would encourage smaller, more affordable homes while requiring larger (typically pricier) new homes to include affordable units or pay a fee. 
Alex Pedersen poses in a suitcoat in a City Hall hallway

Alex Pedersen Ad-libs ‘One Seattle’ Zoning Proposal Aimed at Maintaining Two Seattles

Alex Pedersen became the first Seattle City Councilmember to outline his own proposal for the once-a-decade Comprehensive Plan update toward the bottom of his...