"The Seattle Housing Levy is a singular achievement. It is a legacy in affordable housing production, homelessness prevention, and low-income homebuyer assistance that those of us who live in this region are justly proud of. There’s simply nothing quite like it anywhere else in the country. Seattle voters again and again have endorsed a property tax that takes dollars out of their pockets to create better housing opportunities for the least advantaged members of their community.

"Since 1981, Seattle voters have said yes to affordable housing—four times all told. The first vote, in 1981, was a bond issue to create affordable homes for seniors. The next three ballot issues, Housing Levies in 1986, 1995, and 2002, helped Seattle to expand the availability of housing to other vulnerable community members, including low and moderate wage earners.

"The Levy’s accomplishments over the past 28 years have been profound. In terms of rental housing production alone, more than 10,000 rental homes have been created—serving tens of thousands of individuals. In addition to providing great housing for the individuals and families who most need a hand up the economic ladder, the Levy has literally changed the face of Seattle. It has helped to spur investment in economically stressed communities, preserved historic buildings for affordable housing, and protected the character of neighborhoods."

Kim Herman, Executive Director
Washington State Housing Finance Commission
WSHFC Newsletter, March 2009