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Mayor Durkan Announces $5 million to Community Organizations Through the Equitable Development Initiative

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Mayor’s “Housing Seattle Now” Establishes New $15 million EDI Revolving Loan Program

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced $5 million in awards through the Equitable Development Initiative (EDI), part of the City’s effort to support Seattle’s existing residents and businesses in high displacement risk neighborhoods. Mayor Durkan announced the awards in Pioneer Square at the Chief Seattle Club, a human service agency that provides for the basic needs of their members, many of whom are experiencing homelessness. Chief Seattle Club is a recipient of this year’s funding.

“Seattle’s challenges of affordability have displaced far too many residents and businesses,” said Mayor Durkan. “Our vision is of a city where all communities can build a home for themselves and their loved ones. Through our Equitable Development Initiative, the City of Seattle is making critical investments in community-based organizations that are working to combat displacement and increase access to opportunity in neighborhoods across our city.”

The EDI fund, administered by the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD), was created to respond to the needs of marginalized populations, reduce disparities, and support access to opportunity in healthy, vibrant communities. The initiative is championed by community organizations concerned about displacement pressures and historical lack of investment that has occurred in communities of color in Seattle.

“All Seattle residents must have access to a positive future,” said Sam Assefa, Director of OPCD. “EDI takes its lead from the community leaders and organizations that best understand the realities of today’s displacement pressures. We’re proud to fund these grassroots initiatives that build resiliency and community ownership, and most importantly support racial justice.”

EDI fosters community leadership and supports organizations to promote equitable access to jobs, education and childcare, outdoor space and recreation, cultural expression, healthy food, and other community needs and amenities. These partnerships are designed to support leadership and build capacity building among the most historically marginalized groups in Seattle, sharing in decision-making and power, and working towards racial equity outcomes that allows all communities to thrive.

“Thank you, Mayor Durkan for recognizing the importance of investing in community-grown, culturally-based organizations. The EDI program continues to empower and strengthen underrepresented communities by investing in organic, locally-grown programs across Seattle,” said Colleen Echohawk, Executive Director of Chief Seattle Club. “Chief Seattle Club’s vision of affordable homes that support the needs of the American Indian and Alaskan Native community is further reinforced with this investment through the EDI program.”

As part of her Housing Seattle Now plan, Mayor Durkan is proposing to establish a new $15 million EDI revolving loan program funded from the proceeds of the sale of the surplus, city-owned Mercer St. properties. The new revolving loan program will provide funding to support additional land acquisition by community organizations in response to displacement pressures.

The following community-based organizations working in Seattle on anti-displacement strategies and economic development opportunities have been selected for funding in 2019:

Chief Seattle Club — $1 million
The Chief Seattle Club is seeking to purchase and renovate the Monterey Lofts above their current facility and adjacent to the site of their new facility. The project is designed to support the physical, cultural, and spiritual needs of the American Indian and Alaska Native community, with indigenous designs, affordable housing units, services, health clinic, and a café/art gallery space in Pioneer Square.

Byrd Barr Place — $1 million
Byrd Barr Place has been operating out of the City’s surplus Fire Station 23. The City is working to transfer ownership of the property to the organization and the EDI application will support improvements to the building. Completion of this project would renovate the 100+ year old building to meet contemporary ADA and environmental standards, allowing BBP to expand the services it provides.

Cham Refugees Community — $575,000
Cham Refugees Community is seeking to build an upgraded, 12,000 square foot community center at their existing location. They have a need for a sharia-compliant facility, as most of the other existing or proposed community centers will not meet that specific need. The facility will expand their programming while increasing the usability for youth, the elderly, and disabled members of the community.

Duwamish Longhouse — $575,000
The Duwamish Tribe is proposing to purchase property adjacent to the existing Longhouse to support the continued viability of the cultural space. The expansion will help visitors safely access the Longhouse.

Friends of Little Saigon — $225,000
Friends of Little Saigon are seeking to implement the Landmark Project at 1221 S King St, currently owned by Lam’s Seafood Market. Lam’s is seeking to redevelop the site and would remain as the anchor tenant. These funds will support staffing and feasibility studies, including developing a co-ownership and co-development structure with Lam’s.

Lake City Collective — $75,000
Lake City Collective uses a community ambassador model to preserve cultural heritage and increase the ability for local communities to become self-determining. They have been organizing community members to tackle the displacement challenges in the area and are starting to identify potential community development projects. LCC seeks to establish a location in Seattle’s Little Brook neighborhood that would allow them to expand services and establish partnerships that would preserve existing affordable housing sites in the neighborhood.

Queer the Land — $75,000
Queer the Land will use this funding to build its organization as it pursues its goal to create a cooperative of queer, transgender, and Two-Spirit Black/indigenous/people of color. The group seeks to establish a facility with affordable transitional and semi-permanent housing, co-working space, communal space, and a community garden.

Rainier Beach Action Coalition — $575,000
The Food Innovation District concept was developed as part of the Rainier Beach Neighborhood Plan in 2012. RBAC has worked with Forterra to secure property in the Rainier Beach station area; these funds will support predevelopment expenses. The Food Innovation Center will be a multi-purpose facility with a commercial kitchen, food production and training space, and areas to provide supportive services and education. RBAC is pursuing a joint venture with Mt Baker Housing Association, which will develop affordable housing on the site.

Rainier Valley Midwives — $214,700
Rainier Valley Midwives has been operating out of a temporary location in the Rainier Valley Community Clinic that is becoming untenable due to escalating rents. The organization is working to acquire and build a permanent Birth Center in the Rainier Valley that will provide wrap-around services before, during, and after the birth process to people of color.

Wing Luke Museum — $725,000
The Wing is seeking to preserve the Homestead Home one block south of the Museum and to activate its develop its adjacent parking lot. This home is the most intact remaining single-family home in the Chinatown-International District, constructed in 1937 despite the Chinese Exclusion Act and discriminatory barriers to single family homes in the neighborhood. On the lot, the Wing intends to build 60 affordable apartments above a street-level community gathering space.

Since November 2016, OPCD and partner departments, including Office of Economic Development (OED), Office of Housing (OH), Department of Neighborhoods (DON), Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS), and Office for Civil Rights (OCR), have been coordinating the administration of the EDI Fund.

The EDI Fund was established with $16 million in one-time funding from the sale of a property. As part of her 2019 budget, Mayor Durkan established consistent funding using a tax on short-term rentals that provides $5 million in ongoing annual revenues. The fund also receives $430,000 in annual funding from the federal Community Development Block Grant.

An Advisory Board helps guide the EDI and to provide feedback and approval of the criteria and decision-making processes for the fund. The board provided recommendations to the City on the funding decisions announced today.

Projects were evaluated on their ability to positively impact several equity drivers, that lead to racial equity outcomes including:

  • Promoting economic opportunity through education, job training, and enhancing community cultural anchors.
  • Helping marginalized populations, businesses, and community organizations stay in their neighborhoods.
  • Enhancing health outcomes, access to healthy, culturally relevant food, and supporting safe environments.

Successful applicants demonstrated a deep relationship with the community they are seeking to serve and feature an inclusive community process, with community members serving in their organizational leadership.

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Housing Choices Initiative Aimed at Expanding Options

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Seattle aspires to be a welcoming city where people of all backgrounds feel they belong and can build a stable and fulfilling life. Our current housing affordability crisis represents a major challenge to this vision. 

The City of Seattle and its partners have a long history of addressing housing affordability by investing in people and communities and building rent- and income-restricted housing for lower-income families and individuals.

To build on this work, the City has launched Housing Choices, a new initiative focused on expanding market-rate housing options, in more places, for more people. This effort is a part of Housing Seattle Now, Mayor Durkan’s vision and key actions for the City’s approach to addressing our housing crisis.

Housing Choices explores how our housing market can better serve the needs of current and future residents through:

  • Family-sized homes for sale
  • Condominiums and co-ops that can open the door to home ownership
  • Two- and three-bedroom rental apartments
  • Housing with smaller units and shared common space
  • Accessible ownership opportunities for older and disabled residents


As a first step in this initiative, we have released the Housing Choices Background Report, providing initial analysis on Seattle’s housing market to inform the conversation about how we can meet our community’s needs.

We want to hear your perspective to understand the issues and explore potential responses. Please fill out our 15-minute Housing Choices survey. We will also host conversations with community groups, historically underrepresented communities, and stakeholders throughout 2019. Your input, along with additional data and analysis, will inform future recommendations on responses to our housing crisis. To submit questions and comments, or to host a conversation on this topic, please contact Brennon Staley of the Office of Planning and Community Development at brennon.staley@seattle.gov.

Housing Choices is one part of the City’s comprehensive work on housing. It will unfold in close coordination with the Mayor’s Affordable Middle-Income Housing Advisory Council, which will recommend strategies to close the gap between City-subsidized and private-market housing.  We anticipate releasing specific recommendations to increase housing choices in early 2020 based on your input and input from the Mayor’s Affordable Middle-Income Housing Advisory Council. Together, we can create a city where more people can find homes that meet their needs.

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Mayor Jenny Durkan Announces Plan for Transformational Investments in Housing, Jobs, Public Spaces, and Transportation Projects through Agreement to Sell Underutilized City-Owned Properties on Mercer Street

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Nearly $300 Million in Public Benefits from Agreement with Buyer Would Include 175 Affordable Homes on Site, Family-Wage Jobs on Site, New 30,000 Square-Foot Community Center on Site

Standing with community members in the heart of South Lake Union, Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan today announced her plan for transformational investments in housing, homelessness, family-wage jobs, a new community center, and transportation safety through the sale of underutilized City-owned properties along Mercer Street.

Under the agreement for the proposed sale of the properties, Seattle taxpayers would receive nearly $300 million in public benefits, including: 175 affordable homes on site; $5 million to combat homelessness; a new, 30,000 square-foot community center on site operated by Seattle Parks & Recreation; $78 million of the proceeds will invest in housing in communities across Seattle; and $16.7 million of the proceeds will support new and planned transportation projects to improve safety and increase options for getting around Seattle.

“This is a generational opportunity for Seattle,” said Mayor Durkan. “Cities our size rarely get the chance to take an underused property we own and make bold investments to create jobs, create more affordable and mixed income housing throughout the city, and build more safe transportation connections. I believe that years from now, people will look back at this chance and say we seized an incredible opportunity to make our City better by reinvesting the proceeds directly in housing across Seattle. I look forward to working with the City Council in the coming weeks to deliver these investments in housing, jobs, great public spaces, and transportation projects across Seattle.”

With new affordable housing in South Lake Union, new initiatives to combat displacement and the creation of new housing opportunities, the announcement is a key component of Mayor Durkan’s “Housing Seattle Now” initiative announced on July 24.

Mayor Durkan has transmitted legislation to the City Council to move ahead on the agreement with potential buyer Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.,  the first and longest-tenured which owner, operator, and developer of collaborative life sciences campuses in key urban innovation clusters. Alexandria has supported the Seattle life science cluster for more than 20 years with a number of notable office/laboratory properties, including the Lake Union Steam Plant at 1201 Eastlake Avenue East, the Juno Building at 400 Dexter Avenue North, and its most recently completed development at 188 East Blaine Street.

The nearly $300 million in public benefits that the City of Seattle would receive from Alexandria include:

  • $143,500,000 cash at closing, including a $5 million contribution to support strategies that address homelessness in Seattle;
  • 175 units of affordable housing on site that are affordable for families earning up to 60 percent of the area median income ($66,400/family of four) and will remain affordable for 50 years without any public subsidy;
  • A new 30,000 square-foot community center located on site that will be operated by Seattle Parks & Recreation with rent waived for up to 40 years;
  • Transportation improvements including the extension of 8th Avenue as a pedestrian right-of-way through the site between Mercer and Roy, and the extension of the two-way protected bike lane on the north side of Mercer Street between 9th Avenue and Dexter.

Of the $143,500,000 in cash proceeds the City would receive from the sale, Mayor Durkan is proposing to:

  • Invest $78 million in housing uses, including:
    • $57,200,000 to address displacement and create opportunities for equitable transit-oriented development through a strategic property acquisition fund and revolving Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) acquisition loan fund;
    • $15,000,000 to increase investments in permanently affordable homeownership; and,
    • $6,000,000 for a new financing tool to create more affordable accessory dwelling units like backyard cottages and in-law apartments for low- and middle-income homeowners.
  • Invest $16.7 million to support new and planned transportation projects to improve safety and increase options for getting around Seattle.

Other negotiated benefits of the potential sale would include:

  • A Project Labor Agreement (PLA) to govern wages and working conditions on the initial construction;
  • Alexandria must meet or exceed the LEED Gold standard for building sustainability;
  • Labor harmony agreement requirements;
  • Alexandria will carry the responsibility of any environmental remediation, estimated to be at least $10 to $15 million; and,
  • Alexandria will make a Mandatory Housing Affordability payment to the Seattle Office of Housing, in an amount equal to the applicable code requirements for residential and commercial projects at the time of development.

Because a portion of the Mercer Properties was purchased with revenues from the commercial parking tax and gas tax, a portion of the proceeds is restricted for transportation uses only. The sale also delivers the resources needed to meet $29,100,000 in prior funding commitments by the City Council with funds to repay Interfund Loans for transportation ($24.8M) and homeless services ($4.3M).

“The sale of the Mercer Mega Block will help more people who work in Seattle achieve their dream of living in Seattle, too,” said Councilmember Mike O’Brien. “Seattle is experiencing growth that is almost unheard of elsewhere in the country right now. As a result, Seattle also needs more workforce housing. Today’s announcement builds on a body of work my colleagues and I began in 2013, long before so many investors were interested in this property.  I want to thank Mayor Durkan for brokering a deal that strengthens our City now and continues developing a South Lake Union that helps everyone in Seattle prosper from this opportunity.  I look forward to Council’s consideration of this proposal that offers millions of dollars we can invest in transportation, housing and homelessness priorities.”

“The South Lake Union neighborhood has been an incubator for inventors, artists, educators, engineers, writers, scientists and countless others (think: Paul Allen, PATH, Fred Hutch, Pearl Jam, Seattle Times, Amazon, Cornish, Seattle Children’s),” said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw. “Through this transaction we will add hundreds of affordable housing units to this neighborhood– plus public amenities like a long desired community center.  The addition of more homes to this neighborhood, as well as improved connections to Seattle Center and Downtown, will make space for our kids and grandkids to live near where they work.  This is urban livability at its finest.”

“I’m excited that Mayor Durkan is investing strategically to promote permanently affordable homeownership in the Rainier Valley,” said Tony To, Director Emeritus and Othello Square Project Director at HomeSight. “These sites will help residents stay and thrive in neighborhoods that they have grown and grown up in and will continue to provide homeownership opportunities for generations to come.”

“This is truly a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and we are grateful to see much-needed resources for transportation connections included in the vision of this project,” said Alex Hudson, Executive Director of the Transportation Choices Coalition. “In addition to the projects improving safe routes for walking and biking included as some of the on-site benefits, we are thrilled to see Mayor Durkan include over $16 million from the sale of this property for multi-modal transportation projects.”

“We see every day what we see and celebrate today: Big solutions, big wins made possible through innovative partnerships that address our critical needs and create game changing opportunities for all residents of the city,” said Thatcher Bailey, President and CEO of the Seattle Parks Foundation. “As Seattle continues to grow successful partnerships like this will serve as touchstones, reminding us how much we can deliver to our communities when we work together.”

The properties include three parcels comprising of 2.86 acres of land in the South Lake Union neighborhood. Since 2014, the City has been in discussions on how to best utilize the properties to benefit all of Seattle.

In July of 2018, the City issued a RFP seeking a purchaser who could provide a proposal that met the City’s vision and criteria for the future of the properties.

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Using New State Resources, Mayor Jenny Durkan and Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda Announce Legislation to Invest at Least $50 Million in Housing for People Experiencing Homelessness

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Seattle Will Be First City in Washington State to Take Advantage of New State Law That Allows Cities to Retain More Sales Tax to Fund Affordable Housing Development and Operations; City of Seattle and Mayor Durkan Had Advocated for New State Law in Olympia This Legislative Session.

Mayor Jenny A. Durkan and Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda today announced new legislation to provide at least $50 million in new resources to build and support housing for people experiencing homelessness in Seattle without new taxes. Seattle currently has 1900 permanent supportive housing units. 

Mayor Durkan made the announcement today as an initial step that is part of her new “Housing Seattle Now,” a plan for a surge of City investments in housing for low- and middle-income families in addition to ongoing housing investments made by the Seattle Housing Levy and Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA). 

“This past legislative session, the City of Seattle’s top priority was to create new tools to build and operate more affordable housing. The critical local option bond bill gives the City the ability to retain more sales tax revenues and new bonding capacity to build and operate new affordable homes for people experiencing homelessness in Seattle,” said Mayor Durkan. “Now, we have the chance to invest more than $50 million to build and support new homes for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Thank you to our legislative partners, including Representative June Robinson, Representative Nicole Macri, Speaker Frank Chopp, and Senator David Frockt.”   

The new investment of at least $50 million in housing for people experiencing homelessness does not require raising taxes – instead it allows the City to retain its sales tax revenue for affordable housing. Under the plan, the City of Seattle will be the first city in Washington State to begin to implement the new state law. Passed this legislative session, HB 1406 was a top priority for the City of Seattle. Mayor Durkan, Councilmember Mosqueda and the City of Seattle lobbied for and the Legislature passed House Bill 1406. The state law gives local jurisdictions flexibility to use the sales tax funds for capital dollars to build new housing, operations and maintenance for supportive housing, or a combination of capital and operations.

“The 2019 Point-in-Time Count found that there were 11,199 people experiencing homelessness in Seattle/King County—and that’s a conservative estimate,” said Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, Position 8, Citywide. “Seattle is losing lives and we’re losing neighbors as a result of this crisis. We know what works to solve homelessness: permanent supportive housing. Thanks to our state partners, Seattle now has the option to retain a portion of sales tax dollars already being collected to provide us with much-needed local funds that we can leverage with state and federal dollars to create more homes for our neighborhoods experiencing homelessness. Bonding against these dollars will ensure that we are able to respond with urgency to this crisis by bringing new permanent supportive housing online now.”

“In 2017 I championed legislation to allow the City to issue limited tax general obligation bonds for infrastructure projects. This new authority would allow Seattle to enhance our bonding capacity, and it’s a high priority for me that Seattle double its annual housing investments for the four remaining years of the Housing Levy to move closer to the 2018 McKinsey report recommendation that $360- 410 million a year is invested to help people with severest housing need. This will help us do so,” said Councilmember Lisa Herbold, District 1, West Seattle/South Park.

In the coming months, Mayor Durkan will continue to work the Council to ensure that City has the appropriate resources to provide both capital investments for new permanent supportive housing as well as sufficient funding to operate new supportive units.  

If passed by City Council this fall, new funds could be available by the beginning of 2020.  

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Mayor Durkan Signs Legislation to Create Path for More In-Law Apartments and Backyard Cottages by Reducing Regulatory Barriers, Also Signs Executive Order to Do More to Address Financial and Permitting Barriers  

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New Complementary Actions Work Together to Reduce Barriers for Development of More Accessory Dwelling Units in Single-Family Zoned Neighborhoods throughout Seattle 

 Standing next to a backyard cottage in the Whittier Heights community, Mayor Jenny A. Durkan today signed legislation and an Executive Order to advance the development of more accessory dwelling units (ADUs) like backyard cottages and in-law apartments in single-family zoned neighborhoods throughout Seattle.   

Mayor Durkan signed legislation to loosen regulatory restrictions on backyard cottages and in-law apartments. Mayor Durkan also signed her new Executive Order to streamline the ADU permitting process and lower financial barriers. The legislation and Executive Order complement each other by each addressing different barriers facing homeowners today when developing an ADU. Mayor Durkan’s Executive Order delivers solutions to financial and permitting challenges that keep ADU development out of reach for many Seattle residents.  

“Seattle has a housing crisis, and we have a responsibility to grow the supply of housing options as quickly as possible. We need to use every tool in our toolbox to boost the supply of housing. That’s why we are knocking down barriers for homeowners to build more backyard cottages and in-law units. With this legislation and my new Executive Order, we can address the serious regulatory, financial, and permitting challenges for backyard cottages and in-law apartments in Seattle,” said Mayor Durkan. “Now, we will work to implement these needed changes, and continue to take action in the coming weeks to addressing housing in Seattle. We also will monitor the impact accessory dwelling units as we work to increase the affordable options available across the City, and we will work to mitigate any impacts on green space.” 

Mayor Durkan’s Executive Order’s new steps include:  

  1. Assisting homeowners navigating the complex design and permitting processes. The Executive Order directs the Department of Construction and Inspections to make pre-approved plans available at low cost. Additionally the department will hire an “ADU Navigator” to guide homeowners through the permitting process. The Office of Planning and Community Development will develop a website with a comprehensive inventory of resources to help connect prospective ADU owners with the design and construction community. 
  2. Piloting strategies that support equitable ADU development and affordability among homeowners and tenants. Offer low-interest financing to help homeowners develop ADUs or habitable space through the Office of Housing’s Home Repair Loan Program. The City will also explore additional financing tools, including loan terms suitable to incentivize the affordable creation of ADUs.  
  3. Convening a workgroup to advise on ADU programs and services provided by the City, including stewarding ongoing assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of our ADU regulatory changes, services, and programs within three years.  

“I am thrilled that after years of work and legal delays, Seattle residents will have an easier time building backyard cottages and in-law units, creating more housing options in Seattle neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Mike O’Brien (District 6, Northwest Seattle). “I support the efforts of the Mayor and various departments to further reduce barriers to building accessory dwelling units such as streamlining the permitting process, reducing design costs, and increasing financing options for low-income homeowners. Over the past few years I have spoken with so many Seattle families who are looking for ways to build housing options that fit their families, whether it is an in-law unit for an aging parent, a backyard unit for a college-aged child, or a space to rent to a neighbor.”   

The ADU legislation modifies rules by: 

  • Increasing from one to two the number of ADUs allowed per lot; 
  • Removing off-street parking and owner-occupancy requirements;  
  • Introducing a floor area ratio (FAR) limit for single-family lots; and
  • Relaxing certain size and location standards to allow ADUs that serve families with children, people with limited mobility, and other households types. 

The new regulatory rules will go in effect August 8, 2019.   

In addition to the new Executive Order and signing the ADU legislation, Mayor Durkan continues to make significant investments to increase housing options for all of Seattle.   

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EMERALD CITIES COLLABORATIVE FELIPE FLORESCA “HIGH-ROAD” FELLOWSHIP

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The Emerald Cities Collaborative – a national nonprofit network of organizations working together to advance a sustainable environment – has announced a 12-month experiential learning program in implementing sustainable energy, water and food projects that include and benefit low-income and communities of color. The program provides a $50,000 annual stipend plus benefits.

Applicants must provide all requirements of the Application Package by August 4th, 2019.

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Opportunity Zones Convening, June 26

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The Federal Government has created tax benefits within “Opportunity Zones” that are designed to spur economic development. Seattle Foundation, King County, and City of Seattle would like to convene community organizations and investors to share information and discuss strategies to support equitable development.

Wednesday, June 26, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Ethiopian Community of Seattle, 8323 Rainier Ave South Seattle, WA 98118
Free admission

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT.

For More Information:

Contact Ubax Gardheere at (206) 256-5415 or email ubax.gardheere@seattle.gov.

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Lake Union Seaplane Warning Buoys to be Installed for Summer

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Now that summer boating season is here, the Lake Union seaplane landing advisory buoys will be installed on May 22. The five buoys will flash when seaplanes are landing and taking off, warning boaters to give them plenty of room. Boaters are encouraged to stay 200 feet from the buoys when they flash.

Flyers have been distributed to Lake Union boat rental businesses to help inform their customers of the warning system. The installation of warning buoys does not affect the U.S. Coast Guard’s navigation rules.

Like last year, the advisory buoys will be removed after Labor Day Weekend.

The Coast Guard, the Seattle Police Department Harbor Patrol, and Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) received no reports of concerns after the first deployment of the buoys last summer from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Questions can be directed to OPCD’s Jim.Holmes@seattle.gov.

OPCD obtains annual permits for the warning buoys from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. The buoys were paid for with a grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation and are installed by Kenmore Air.

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Why we’re listening to community about backyard cottages and in-law apartments in Seattle.

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As Seattle faces a housing and affordability crisis, we need more housing options for working and middle-class families across the city.  

One important option are backyard cottages and in-law apartments (formally known as Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs). They offer badly needed options in single-family neighborhoods, where homeownership is out of reach for too many people, and housing options are limited. 

We’ve allowed these options in Seattle for years, but only two percent of single-family lots include them.  

We’ve also heard from community that backyard cottages help homeowners stay in their neighborhood, either by providing additional rental income or giving empty-nesters a place to downsize in their own backyard. They allow more families to live in quieter, less urban neighborhoods near parks and schools. And for intergenerational families who want to be close – for childcare, to share housing costs, or simply to spend more time together – a home with a backyard cottage or in-law unit is a great solution.  

For all these reasons, the City of Seattle has been working to lower the hurdles for property owners who hope to make this choice. 

By helping remove financial barriers, streamlining the permitting process, and supporting people interested in ADUs, we can promote more flexible and space-efficient housing choices. Other cities have taken this step – Portland, Vancouver, Los Angeles, and elsewhere. Seattle should, too.  

One step we’ve already taken was when Mayor Durkan directed us to fast-track pre-approved designs for backyard cottages.  

With the Hearing Examiner decision this week opening the door to legislative action to encourage backyard cottages and in-law apartments, we want to hear more from community about the barriers we can remove to make these homes part of our housing solution. For most families, costs of construction make an ADU unattainable, and the permitting process is too lengthy, which leaves only the wealthiest and developers able to construct ADUs. That’s why we’ve been holding community roundtables and having conversations all across Seattle about the future of backyard cottages in Seattle.

Thank you to those who have already made recommendations on this effort or attended the many community meetings, open houses, and listening sessions. We appreciate you showing up and making your voice heard. We also thank those who have weighed in on the environmental analysis we prepared so that policymakers understand the potential outcomes in our neighborhoods and city.  

The City of Seattle continues to listen to your feedback. Send your comments to the Office of Planning and Community Development at nicolas.welch@seattle.gov. And if you can, testify at the Council hearing at City Hall on June 11

The finish line is in sight. Now in the final stretch, we need your help and input one last time so we can make sure Seattle gets this housing option right.

Sam Assefa, OPCD 

Andrés Mantilla, Department of Neighborhoods


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Clearing the Path for More Backyard Cottages in Seattle

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Mayor Jenny A. Durkan today heralded the Hearing Examiner ruling on the Final Environmental Impact Statement that clears the path for more accessory dwelling units (ADUs), or backyard cottages, across Seattle.

“Seattle faces an affordability and housing crisis, and we are acting to increase the supply of housing options as quickly as possible. We need to use every tool in our toolbox to boost the supply of housing – and that includes knocking down barriers for homeowners to build more backyard cottages and in-law units. We must address the significant financial barriers and lengthy, complicated permitting process for backyard cottages in Seattle,” said Mayor Durkan. “Now, we will continue listening to community on how we can best move forward and giving homeowners – not developers – more flexibility and renters more choices.”

In her ruling, Seattle Deputy Hearing Examiner Barbara Dykes Ehrlichman found that the City’s environmental analysis, or Environmental Impact Statement, of several additional policy options to encourage ADUs adequately explores the potential outcomes. The ruling clears the way for legislative action on a proposed ordinance.

To streamline the City permitting process for ADUs, Mayor Durkan has directed City departments to offer pre-approved backyard cottage designs to save owners time and money. As Council discusses and adopts new ADU standards this summer, the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections will issue a call for submissions of cottage plans for pre-approval. A jury of volunteer members of the Seattle Design Commission, Planning Commission, Design Review Boards, and Construction Code Advisory Board will recommend plans to be reviewed and pre-approved by SDCI. Pre-approved cottage plans will be available to the public by the end of the year.

ADUs inside the home have been allowed in Seattle since 1994. Backyard cottages were first piloted in 2006 and allowed citywide in 2010. They provide the only new housing options other than a detached house in Seattle’s single-family zones.

The City’s environmental analysis found that with these policy options, we can expect about twice as many ADUs constructed over 10 years – up to 4,400 from less than 2,000 under current rules. The analysis also found the number of existing detached houses demolished to make way for larger homes would decline by 22 percent.

The Office of Planning and Community Development is asking the public to submit comments on ADUs by emailing nicolas.welch@seattle.gov. The City Council public hearing on its ADU proposal, another opportunity for public comment, is scheduled for June 11 at City Hall.

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