Seattle has a long history of creating and sustaining innovative affordable housing solutions for those who need it most. What began as a small housing bond in 1981 for low-income seniors and disabled citizens has evolved into a levy supporting affordable housing development and restoration, down payment assistance to first time homebuyers and emergency rental assistance for families on the verge of homelessness. On Monday, the Seattle City Council voted unanimously to renew the housing levy in 2010, which will be on the ballot this November. If Seattle voters approve the measure, taxpayers will invest $145 million back into our community over the next seven years.

The housing bond and three subsequent levies passed because they produce outstanding results. The current levy, spanning from 2002 to 2009, has produced or restored 1,814 affordable rental units, provided 211 first-time homebuyers with down payment assistance, and issued emergency rental assistance to 3,832 households. Additionally, the levy stimulated the economy by creating new jobs and generating revenue in local businesses.

On average, levy dollars cover one-third of the costs for new or restored affordable housing developments. Historically, these funds have been utilized by nonprofit housing developers and service providers to leverage support from other funding sources such as the county, the state, and the federal government. Given the financial climate of today, the housing community fears that without levy dollars the affordable housing movement, as well as maintenance and upkeep of current developments, may come to a halt at a time when our community needs it the most.

Last week the community addressed the Seattle City Council in support of renewing the current housing levy at a Committee of the Whole panel. A single mother and nonprofit employee explained how her family secured housing by utilizing first-time homebuyer assistance provided by Homestead Community Land Trust. Tory Laughlin Taylor of Housing Resources Group (HRC) noted that 826 of the 2,700 affordable housing units developed by HRG have been funded in part by levy dollars. Jim Greenfield of the Cascade Land Conservancy made the connection between affordable housing and conservation. Each of the dozen or more testimonies delivered a compelling and insightful message -- renewing the housing levy is not just about developing houses, it is about changing lives.

Learn more:

http://www.seattle.gov/council/housing_levy/default.htm
http://www.housinglevy.wordpress.com/
http://www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video.asp?ID=2170915