Multifamily Tax Exemption

The Multifamily Property Tax Exemption (MFTE) Program provides a tax exemption on eligible multifamily housing in exchange for income- and rent-restricted units. By supporting mixed-income residential development in the urban centers, the MFTE program ensures affordabilty as the community grows.

Owners/developers applying to participate in the MFTE program must commit to implement an Affirmative Marketing Plan. Please refer to the following documents for more information on affirmative marketing and how to comply with these requirements.

  • Affirmative Marketing Information Sheet - This document provides an overview of affirmative marketing for properties in the MFTE and Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) programs. 
  • Letter of Intent to Implement Affirmative Marketing - This document indicates a property owner's commitment to implement Affirmative Marketing. The Letter of Intent must be submitted to the Office of Housing along with the MFTE application, prior to the issuance of the project's first building permit. MHA properties must submit this form prior to the issuance of the first building permit.
  • Special Outreach for Affirmative Marketing - Properties implementing Affirmative Marketing should use these forms to conact community-based organizations.
  • Community-based Organizations for Affirmative Marketing - Properties that are required to implement Affirmative Marketing Plans must choose three organizations to direct their special outreach to. This spreadsheet includes contact information for over 60 community based organizations around Seattle.
  • Affirmative Marketing Lease-Up and Supplemental Reports - Properties that are required to implement Affirmative Marketing Plans must demostrate compliance by completing these forms and submitting them to the Office of Housing.

Questions regarding Affirmative Marketing requirements should be directed to Joy Hunt (Joy.Hunt2@seattle.gov) at (206) 305-6943.