Seattle Social Housing Developer Wins New Tool from State Lawmakers

Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1687 on Monday, authorizing the state and local governments to assist the Seattle Social Housing Developer with planning, construction, or operation of housing projects under the Housing Cooperation Law. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Julia Reed (D-36th, Seattle), allows social housing authorities to potentially receive public land and logistical support to reduce development costs. The SSHD, which collected $130 million in its first year from a voter-approved high earners tax, plans to acquire its first property within six months.