Senator Murray brings leaders together to meet housing affordability challenges

SEATTLE—April 30, 2007—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) brought business and housing leaders together on April 6 to consider the challenges residents of the Puget Sound region are facing with respect to affordable housing. A new partnership between the Puget Sound Regional Council and housing advocates was announced. Click here to read more.

SHA to partner with Dearborn group, add housing to Goodwill site

SEATTLE—April 30, 2007—Seattle Housing announced in early April that it will partner with Dearborn Street Developers in their mixed-use project that will take place on the current site of Goodwill, just south and east of downtown. Seattle Housing will assign at least $20 million in New Market Tax Credits to the project. These tax credits are intended to spur commercial development in under-served areas and promote access to growth and urban and rural communities. SHA will build low-income and affordable housing on the site. Click here for details.

High Point wins Vision 2020 Award

SEATTLE—April 30, 2007—Citing High Point as “an exceptional effort that promotes a livable region,” the Puget Sound Regional Council presented its VISION 2020 Award to Seattle Housing Authority on April 5, in recognition of the High Point redevelopment. VISION 2020 awards are presented annually. High Point was one of six projects recognized for innovative design and effectiveness. Click here to learn more.

Subsidy for Housing Choice Vouchers increased

SEATTLE—April 30, 2007—SHA has increased its Housing Choice Voucher payment standards, which govern the amount of subsidy that is available to support rentals by participants in the program. It has been nearly two years since SHA's Board of Commissioners increased these payment standards. Lisa Cipollone-Wolters, SHA’s Director of Rental Assistance Programs, noted that the agency raises the Voucher Payment Standards as needed to keep up with rising rents in Seattle. Click here for details.