That one-billion-dollar housing levy is headed for the November ballot following unanimous approval from the Seattle City Council on Tuesday.
“Affordable housing across our city” Councilmember Theresa Mosqueda reminded the council what was at sake before the vote “The housing that working families, small businesses and our families at large need.”
At $970M the housing levy will increase property taxes for the average homeowner by $270 a year for 7 years “Which does not sound like very much” Councilmember Sara Nelson noted “But this package is triple the current levy and I think we have to be mindful of additional costs.”
The levy would build more than 3,000 new homes and create rental housing in places like the YWCA building at 5th & Seneca.
“We are creating thousands of deeply affordable housing and permanent supportive homes “ Councilmember Mosqueda repeatedly pointed out “We are investing and preventing homelessness.”
Since its beginnings in 1986, more than 16,000 people have lived in homes supported by the levy today.
“City Hall is getting a reputation as a One-Trick Pony” but Councilmember Alex Pederson was a reluctant ‘Yes Vote’ “That repeatedly tries to double or triple a property tax, and this is another reason why Seattle is long overdue for tax reform.”
Voters will have the ultimately say on the November 7th ballot.
