Council News Release

David Yeaworth, Clark Office, (206) 684-5328
Paul Elliott, McIver Office, (206) 684-8800
Brian Hawksford, Rasmussen Office, (206) 684-8808

Councilmember Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Richard J. McIver
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

FORUM ON HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
Councilmembers will hold discussion on development of affordable housing

SEATTLE — Councilmembers Sally J. Clark, chair of Economic Development and Neighborhoods Committee, Richard J. McIver, chair of Finance and Budget Committee, and Tom Rasmussen, chair of Housing, Human Services, and Health Committee, will hold a discussion on one of the most urgent issues facing Seattle—the development of affordable housing. The Councilmembers have invited for-profit housing developers, the Office of Housing, and Council staff to present information and ideas on various aspects of the issue. The questions to be explored include: How does the private market create housing? How is housing affordability defined in Seattle 2007? What tools does the City have to help develop affordable rental housing? What other things should the City consider doing to help add more affordable housing?

Councilmember Rasmussen said, “Affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges facing Seattle. We want a public discussion with builders to hear their ideas on what the City can do to increase the supply of housing for low and moderate income families.” Councilmember McIver said, “I look forward to hearing about what tools the City should consider to assist private developers in achieving the development of more affordable housing.” Councilmember Clark said, “In order to preserve our neighborhoods’ character and our city’s quality of life, we must continue to explore new ways of promoting housing affordability.”

What: Housing Affordability Forum
(Special Meeting of the Housing, Human Services, and Health Committee)
When: Friday, July 20th, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Seattle City Council Chambers, 2nd floor, City Hall
Who: Rick Hooper, Policy Director, Seattle Office of Housing, Hal Ferris, Partner of Lorig Associates, Maria Barrientos, Principal, Barrientos LLC, Curt Pryde, Principal, Pryde + Johnson, Tory Laughlin-Taylor, Vice President, Pacific Northwest, AF Evans Company, Gerry Pigotti, Principal, Gibraltar LLC, Greg Van Patten, Manager, Investments, Unico Properties, Liz Dunn, Principal, Dunn & Hobbs, Dan Duffus, Principal, Soleil Company

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City Council