Seattle Social Housing Developer Wins New Tool from State Lawmakers
The Seattle Social Housing Developer (SSHD) shepherded its priority bill through the Washington State Legislature, winning new powers to collaborate with state and local government.
House Bill 1687 authorizes the state or a local government to assist a social housing public development authority in the planning, construction, or operation of housing projects under the Housing Cooperation Law.
The new provision clears one obstacle to social housing authorities receiving aid from local government, including public land for construction sites, which SSHD has targeted as one of its potential strategies to curb costs. Newly sanctioned cooperation could also take the form of planning and logistical help, which social housing booster Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has pledged.