The Seattle City Council has adopted ordinances to require new development along 23rd Ave in the Central Area and in Chinatown-International District to contribute to affordable housing, producing at least 200 new affordable homes over the next decade, in exchange for modest increases in building height and density in the neighborhoods.
Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) requires multifamily residential and commercial development to include rent-restricted homes for low-income families or make a payment to the Office of Housing to support affordable housing. Future zoning changes in Seattle will implement MHA, while increasing opportunities for new housing.
MHA has already been implemented in Downtown, South Lake Union, and the University District. The City Council is now considering zoning changes to implement MHA in Uptown.