Mayor Nickels, City Council Agree on Housing Levy Proposal

Mayor, City Council United In Favor of Fall Ballot Measure

June 11, 2002 - Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels today voiced his strong support for the Seattle Housing Levy measure that will be on the September ballot, and joined forces with the Seattle City Council to advocate for the measure.

"Our goal is simple: to expand our stock of affordable housing," Nickels said. "We can all agree that the Seattle Housing Levy is a vital resource for making a difference in people’s lives. This is a fiscally responsible amount that will allow us to continue the great tradition of the Housing Levy, and make a few innovations."

The ballot measure calls for an $86 million, 7-year Housing Levy.

"We’re hopeful Seattle voters will again show their support for affordable housing in our city," said City Councilmember Richard McIver, chair of the Council’s Housing, Human Services & Community Development Committee. "Seattle voters have three times previously passed housing levy measures to help the vulnerable in our community, and revitalize neighborhoods."

A major component of the proposal is for rental production and preservation. More than $63 million is designated to produce 1,720 rental housing units. The measure also provides $2.8 million for emergency housing assistance.

"The Housing Levy helps seniors, persons with special needs, working families and homeless people transitioning to stability," said Mayor Nickels.

The Housing Levy package also includes $7.8 million to assist poor to moderate-income homebuyers.

"These are hardworking Seattle families that have homeownership in their sights, but not yet within their grasp," said Mayor Nickels.

The Levy proposal provides $7.2 million for projects that are mixed income and combine residential units with commercial space to revitalize distressed communities.

The proposed Housing Levy would cost the average Seattle homeowner about $4 per month.

Last month, Nickels sent to the City Council a housing levy proposal. Yesterday, the Council passed the housing levy package that will be sent to voters this fall.

Voters approved similar ballot measures in 1981, 1986 and, most recently, in 1995. Each past Housing Levy has outperformed its goals and City-funded projects have received funding from other sources, leveraging about $4 for every dollar of Levy funds.