News Releases
Executive Director Tom Tierney to retire in August
SEATTLE—Feb. 8, 2012—Seattle Housing Authority’s Tom Tierney announced today that he will retire from his position as Executive Director in August of this year. Tierney has led the organization since March 2004. During his tenure as Executive Director, Seattle Housing Authority increased the number of households served by more than 2,000, even as federal funding was curtailed.
Seattle Housing Authority offices will move in March 2012
SEATTLE — January 23, 2012 — Seattle Housing Authority will consolidate staff from three separate locations into new offices on lower Queen Anne by the end of March. Located at 190 Queen Anne Avenue North, the new headquarters building will brings together staff from the current Central Office at 120 Sixth Ave. North, from the Porchlight building in Ballard, and from the Operations Support Center in north Seattle.
New website links renters and landlords in Seattle, King County
SEATTLE — January 26, 2012 — New website HousingSearchNW.org lets landlords advertise properties free of charge, while renters can search for free to find rentals that fit their needs. The new web-based service is supported by a toll-free call center that can provide assistance in English and Spanish as well as other languages spoken by King County residents.
Seattle Housing commissioners Gibson and Martinez reappointed
SEATTLE — January 23, 2012 — Mayor Mike McGinn has reappointed Nora Gibson and Juan Martinez to the Seattle Housing Authority's Board of Commissioners for four years. The Seattle City Council confirmed the reappointment in early December 2011.
Board approves resolution to prohibit smoking in all Seattle Housing residences
SEATTLE — October 3, 2011 — In a unanimous decision at its November 21 meeting, the Seattle Housing Authority Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to adopt and implement a policy that will prohibit smoking in all dwelling units owned by the agency.
Seattle Housing seeks non-profit partners to provide low-income housing
SEATTLE — October 3, 2011 — Working in partnership with the City's Office of Housing, Seattle Housing Authority is making available 50 project-based rental vouchers to qualified nonprofit organizations.
New KaBOOM! playground built in a day at High Point
SEATTLE — September 28, 2011 — Seattle Housing Authority today marked the opening of Lake City Court (12536 33rd Ave. NE), a new apartment building that will provide 86 apartments for low-income residents on a 1.8-acre site rich with urban conveniences and services.
Lake City Court brings new housing to north Seattle
SEATTLE — September 20, 2011 — Seattle Housing Authority today marked the opening of Lake City Court (12536 33rd Ave. NE), a new apartment building that will provide 86 apartments for low-income residents on a 1.8-acre site rich with urban conveniences and services.
$10.27 million HUD Choice Neighborhood grant awarded for Yesler Terrace renewal
SEATTLE — August 31, 2011 — Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan announced today the award of a $10.27 million Choice Neighborhoods implementation grant to the Seattle Housing Authority to be used for redevelopment of Yesler Terrace and the surrounding neighborhood.
Seattle Housing's 2012 Proposed Budget Summary released
SEATTLE — August 31, 2011 — As government-funded agencies across the country face a climate of cutbacks and retrenchment, the Seattle Housing Authority is looking at a reduction of 55 full-time equivalent positions or nearly 10 percent of its staff capacity. This will require the lay-off or reduction in work hours for approximately forty workers by year's end.
Respite Care Center to serve over 500 homeless individuals a year
SEATTLE — August 3, 2011 — Seattle Housing has converted one floor of a public housing building from residences to institutional space for the Respite Care Center for homeless individuals recovering from hospital treatment.
Yesler Terrace has a supporting role in "Coiled" webcomic
SEATTLE — August 3, 2011 — The Yesler Terrace neighborhood is playing what may seem an unlikely role in a sci-fi webcomic. The world of "Coiled" includes a winged jaguar, headsets that analyze brain waves, references to the rivalry between inventors Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla, and a space station that exists in a virtual realm.
Applications for enhanced conversion vouchers being accepted
SEATTLE — July 8, 2011 — The Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) is soliciting proposals for up to 170 Project-based Vouchers for the purpose of preserving affordable housing units lost through a HUD conversion action. Existing residents must be eligible to receive Enhanced Voucher assistance.
Seattle Housing awarded 100 special-purpose housing vouchers
SEATTLE — June 3, 2011 — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced this week that it has awarded Seattle Housing Authority 100 Family Unification Program (FUP) vouchers. HUD awarded Seattle Housing the same number of these special vouchers last August.
Historic Yesler Steam Plant gets $3.1 million for rehab
SEATTLE — May 25, 2011 — U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced the award of $3,109,271 to the Seattle Housing Authority as "seed" funding toward development of early childhood education and adult training facilities for public housing residents.
Board approves Yesler Terrace Development Plan
SEATTLE — May 19, 2011 — In a unanimous decision at its May 17 meeting, the Seattle Housiing Authority Board of Commissioners approved a sweeping plan for the redevelopment of the 30-acre Yesler Terrace Neighborhorhood.
Housing Choice Vouchers issued to Downtowner Apartments tenants
SEATTLE — May 17, 2011 — In an intensive four-day period in late April, nearly 200 vouchers were issued to residents of The Downtowner as its HUD subsidy expired.
Development Plan for Yesler Terrace released by Seattle Housing Authority
SEATTLE — May 10, 2011 — Seattle Housing Authority today released the draft of a detailed development plan for the 30-acre Yesler Terrace site just east of downtown Seattle on First Hill. The site currently contains 561 units of extremely low-income housing, which will be replaced as the site is redeveloped.
Seattle Housing budget planners struggle with uncertainties
SEATTLE — April 20, 2011 — As managers at the Seattle Housing Authority begin the process of budget preparation for 2012, the uncertainties surrounding the level of revenues that will be available from the federal government make the process difficult and unpredictable.
71% of residents support no-smoking policy in Low-Income Public Housing
SEATTLE — April 14, 2011 — Results from a recent survey of residents in the Low-Income Public Housing program indicate that an overwhelming 76% of support a no-smoking policy in their building, while 71% support a no-smoking policy throughout all Seattle Housing communities.
Final EIS issued for Yesler Terrace redevelopment
SEATTLE — April 14, 2011 — Today the Seattle Housing Authority, together with the City of Seattle Human Services Department, issued the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Yesler Terrace redevelopment. This marks the conclusion of a comprehensive year-long environmental review carried out by a team of Seattle Housing staff, consultant engineers, scientists, designers and others.
Senator Murray named NAHRO's Legislator of the Year
SEATTLE — April 8, 2011 — The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) has named Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) their legislator of the year for 2011.
Seattle Housing one of six finalists for Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants
SEATTLE — March 18, 2011 — U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan announced today that Seattle Housing Authority is one of six finalists selected to compete for approximately $61 million in Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grants.
Federal budget uncertainty makes housing officials wary
SEATTLE — March 3, 2011 — Housing authorities across the country are watching carefully as Budget negotiations in Washington, D.C. raise questions about program adjustments that may be necessary if budget cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development are enacted.
Yesler Terrace Preferred Alternative offered; plans for low-income replacement housing in place
SEATTLE — January 27, 2011 — Taking into account findings from the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and resulting public comments, Seattle Housing Authority recently identified a Preferred Alternative for the Yesler Terrace Redevelopment project.
New construction underway, more planned at High Point
SEATTLE — January 26, 2011 — Seattle Housing Authority is working with two private residential developers to add 173 new for-sale homes to the High Point Neighborhood over the next three years.
Tamarack Place opens 83 new low-income apartments
SEATTLE — January 19, 2011 — The Seattle Housing Authority celebrates the completion of Tamarack Place tomorrow, January 20, from 11 am - 1 pm at 4616 Martin Luther King Jr. Way South.
Audio introductions of Seattle Housing programs available in ten languages
SEATTLE — January 19, 2011 — To benefit people who may not be fluent readers of English, the Seattle Housing Authority this week out rolled out recorded introductions to its programs in ten languages, English and nine others, each accessed via its own telephone number and on SeattleHousing.org.
Seattle Housing awards 50 project-based rental vouchers to five nonprofits
SEATTLE — December 27, 2010 — Seattle Housing, working in partnership with the Seattle of Seattle's Office of Housing, has awarded 50 project-based rental vouchers to five nonprofit low-income housing developers.
Agency receives $3 million from City of Seattle to rehab Senior Housing buildings
SEATTLE — December 27, 2010 — Seattle Housing Authority received news last week that its application to Seattle’s Office of Housing for funding to make repairs at four senior housing sites has been approved.
Feet First "Walk & Talk" event looks at potential for pedestrians at Yesler Terrace
SEATTLE — November 19, 2010 — On November 2, as the setting sun filtered warm autumn light into Yesler Terrace, Feet First Executive Director Lisa Quinn introduced a group of about 25 interested pedestrians to the goals of Feet First and their third "Walk & Talk" event.
Seattle Housing submits Choice Neighborhoods grant application requesting $23.9 million
SEATTLE — November 9, 2010 — Seattle Housing Authority has submitted a grant application to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development seeking nearly $24 million to spark the transformation of the Yesler Terrace neighborhood through comprehensive education and employment programs, housing opportunities and support for economic development.
Building Changes selected for Yesler Terrace project
SEATTLE — November 9, 2010 — The nonprofit Building Changes has been selected through a competitive process to lead a planning effort in the Yesler Terrace community focused on determining what services and activities should be part of the redeveloped Yesler community. Emphasis is on identifying services most critical to the quality of life and opportunity for residents.
Puget Sound Regional Council awarded $5 million planning grant
SEATTLE — November 8, 2010 — The Puget Sound Regional Council was recently awarded nearly $5 million from the federal government in the form of a planning grant under the new Sustainable Communities Program. The Seattle Housing Authority is one of 18 organizations comprising the Central Puget Sound Sustainable Communities Consortium.
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Yesler Terrace redevelopment available for review and comment
SEATTLE — October 21, 2010 — The Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the comprehensive redevelopment of the Yesler Terrace public housing community is now available for review and comment. The document is being issued by the Seattle Housing Authority and the Seattle Human Services Department.
Seattle Housing to receive seven additional vouchers for homeless veterans
SEATTLE — October 4, 2010 — U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan and HUD Northwest Regional Administrator Mary E. McBride announced last week that HUD will provide funds to support rental Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers for 15 additional homeless veterans in Seattle and King County.
Communities Connect Network Project receives $4.2 million grant
SEATTLE — September 27, 2010 — The Communities Connect Network Project has received a stimulus grant of $4,169,734 from the Department of Commerce National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) to improve Washington State public computing centers (PCCs). Several computer labs located within Seattle Housing Authority communities will benefit from the grant.
Seattle Housing board adopts new 2011-2015 Strategic Plan
SEATTLE — September 23, 2010 — Seattle Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners adopted a new agency Strategic Plan for 2011-2015 at a special meeting Monday, September 20. The plan, entitled “Bold Plans in the Face of Uncertainty,” affirms the housing authority’s core commitments, addresses foreseeable challenges and opportunities, and maps the agency’s course for the next five years.
2010 Community Matters Campaign kicks off
SEATTLE — September 21, 2010 — Seattle CityClub begins its Community Matters Campaign on October 26 with nearly six weeks of programs and events centered on the elements of a healthy civic community. The Seattle Housing Authority will serve as a co-presenter of the campaign, which presents a portfolio of programs and tools to motivate individual and communal civic engagement.
Seattle Housing Authority enters next phase of Yesler Terrace redevelopment
SEATTLE — September 8, 2010 — Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) enters the next stage of Yesler Terrace redevelopment with the appointment of Seattle-based architecture firm GGLO. This key milestone comes on the heels of a recent recognition by the Quality Growth Alliance of Yesler Terrace’s smart, sustainable preliminary redevelopment strategies, setting a solid foundation for GGLO’s work.
Doug Morrison appointed to serve on Seattle Housing Authority board
SEATTLE — August 12, 2010 — Doug Morrison began his term this month as the newest Seattle Housing Authority Commissioner, and the first to be appointed by Mayor Mike McGinn.
Seattle Housing awarded 100 special-purpose housing vouchers
SEATTLE — August 9, 2010 — Last week, Seattle Housing Authority received notice that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has granted its request for 100 Family Unification Program (FUP) Housing Choice vouchers, worth $1,045,308.
Five Seattle Housing communities to receive free WiFi for two years
SEATTLE — August 9, 2010 — The Seattle Housing Authority is partnering with non-profit One Economy Corporation to provide free access to wireless Internet for two years to some of its communities.
Strategic plan draft available for review and comment
SEATTLE — August 3, 2010 — A draft five-year strategic plan for 2011 – 2015 is now available for review. The plan is available on the homepage of the agency website (www.seattlehousing.org), and public comment is invited.
"Limited English" program wins Award of Merit
SEATTLE — August 3, 2010 — The Seattle Housing Authority was honored on April 23 with an Award of Merit by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO).
Groundbreaking at Lake City Village celebrates construction start
SEATTLE — June 30, 2010 — Machinery has been busy excavating for the foundation and parking garage of Seattle Housing Authority's latest building project since the beginning of June, but the digging (and the noise) stopped for about an hour to celebrate the official groundbreaking for this future 86-unit family housing project.
Seattle Housing seeks partners to provide low-income housing
SEATTLE — June 25, 2010 — Working in partnership with the City's Office of Housing, Seattle Housing Authority is once again making available 50 project-based rental vouchers to qualified nonprofit organizations. The agency awarded 50 identical vouchers in 2009.
Rainier Vista receives design award
SEATTLE — June 4, 2010 — The Rainier Vista redevelopment received a Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects for the high quality of its overall design. Tonkin / Hoyne, the architecture firm that planned and designed the community, applied for the award on behalf of Seattle Housing Authority.
STAR Center lab offers technology for people with disabilities
SEATTLE — June 1, 2010 — The Special Technology Access Resource (STAR) Center, a computer lab for people with disabilities located at Seattle Housing Authority’s Center Park residence, recently hosted an open house.
John Littel elected to chair Seattle Housing Authority Board
SEATTLE — April 23, 2010 — On Monday, April 19, Housing Authority Commissioner John Littel was elected by the Board of Commissioners to be the Board chair. He served as vice chair for the past year while Yusuf Cabdi held the position of chair.
Yesler Terrace environmental review process launched
SEATTLE — April 5, 2010 — The Seattle Housing Authority, in cooperation with the City of Seattle and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, has launched the environmental review process to study the impacts of redevelopment on the people and environment at Yesler Terrace.
Mayor announces resident opening on Seattle Housing Board
SEATTLE — March 23, 2010 — Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn has announced that the City is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on the Seattle Housing Authority's Board of Commissioners.
Seattle Housing meets key stimulus fund deadline
SEATTLE — March 22, 2010 — Seattle Housing Authority recently met a key March 17 deadline set by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to obligate $17 million of initial stimulus funding received through HUD's capital fund in 2009.
Mary McBride appointed to serve as HUD Regional Director
SEATTLE — March 22, 2010 — On March 2, in a mid-morning ceremony attended by local housing officials, friends, and family, Mary McBride was sworn in by HUD Deputy Secretary Ron Sims as the Regional Director for Region X, which serves Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
Senior Housing buildings to go smoke-free in August
SEATTLE — March 11, 2010 — The Seattle Housing Authority Board of Commissioners has approved a resolution to establish a smoke-free policy that will apply to all Seattle Senior Housing Program buildings beginning August 1.
Seattle Housing's treatment of Utility Allowances to change
SEATTLE — March 2, 2010 — Tenants who rent housing in Seattle Housing Authority’s High Point, NewHolly and Rainier Vista communities are invited to meetings this month to hear about changes Seattle Housing is making to its way of dealing with small increases or decreases in utility rates.
Green Lake Plaza fire claims life of elderly man
SEATTLE — February 16, 2010 — An intense fire in Apartment 707 at Green Lake Plaza took the life of its occupant, Alphonso Goldwire, age 71, on Monday afternoon, February 15.
Rod Brandon appointed Housing Operations Director
SEATTLE — January 5, 2010 — Rod Brandon has been hired to direct housing operations at the Seattle Housing Authority, replacing Don Ashlock, who will retire at the end of January after nearly ten years in this position.
Seattle Housing expands efforts to control bedbugs in Low-Income Public Housing
SEATTLE — December 31, 2009 — Seattle Housing is employing the use of pest technicians, a detection dog, traps, mattress covers and education to prevent the spread of bedbugs.
Former Douglas Apartments re-opens as South Shore Court
SEATTLE — December 21, 2009 — Seattle Housing Authority will celebrate the completion of South Shore, Court, formerly known as the Douglas Apartments, by hosting an open house on January 14 from 2 – 4 p.m.
Resident satisfaction survey scores high marks for Seattle Housing
SEATTLE — December 21, 2009 — A recent satisfaction survey conducted by Hebert Research, Inc. for the Seattle Housing Authority showed a high level of satisfaction with the service and housing quality provided by the Housing Authority.
High Point parks draw praise for their play spaces
SEATTLE — December 21, 2009 — High Point has been included in a book about best practices that communities can use to improve opportunities for play.
Seattle Housing launches planning effort for 2010–2015
SEATTLE — November 19, 2009 — As 2009 draws to a close, the Seattle Housing Authority is assessing results from its 2005-2010 Strategic Plan and launching efforts to develop a new plan for the next five years.
Public meeting to be held Nov. 24 regarding voucher program
SEATTLE — November 3, 2009 — Seattle Housing’s Housing Choice Voucher Program is seeking feedback from community stakeholders on certain initiatives that the Housing Choice Voucher program will be implementing in the first half of 2010.
Resident survey indicates support for smoke-free senior housing
SEATTLE — October 28, 2009 — A recent survey of residents in Seattle Senior Housing Program buildings indicates that a significant majority of the program's residents would like to see their buildings become smoke-free facilities.
$28 million in Recovery Act funds benefit building projects
SEATTLE — October 20, 2009 — Seattle Housing Authority has been awarded three American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) competitive grants worth a total of $28 million. This is in addition to the $17 million the Housing Authority received by formula in February, bringing the total of stimulus dollars awarded to Seattle Housing to more than $45 million.
Fifty project-based rental vouchers offered through city process
SEATTLE — September 17, 2009 — Working in partnership with the City's Office of Housing, Seattle Housing Authority is making available 50 project-based rental vouchers to qualified nonprofit organizations. The vouchers will make it possible for selected organizations to offer housing units to extremely-low-income residents, those with incomes below 30 percent of median income, for 40 years. The deadline for organizations to apply for these vouchers has been extended until Wednesday, September 23, 2009.
New Housing Choice Vouchers on hold
SEATTLE — August 28 , 2009 — As of early August, the Seattle Housing Authority has temporarily suspended giving out new vouchers to people on its waiting list. This move comes as a result of the fact that the Housing Authority is near the upper limit of vouchers it is authorized to issue.
HUD Secretary Donovan visits Rainier Vista
SEATTLE — August 10 , 2009 —U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Jim McDermott joined Mayor Greg Nickels, local housing staff and residents on Monday, August 10 to mark the start of construction for Tamarack Place and the resumption of redevelopment work in the Rainier Vista neighborhood in Southeast Seattle.
One floor of Jefferson Terrace to become medical respite facility
SEATTLE — July 22, 2009—Addressing homelessness in King County is a puzzle that many are working to solve. The Seattle Housing Authority plans to move forward with one piece of the solution by partnering with Public Health – Seattle and King County to locate a medical respite care facility at Jefferson Terrace. On June 29, 2009, the project received initial approval for an economic stimulus grant of $375,000 through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
New federal housing policy outlined at Chicago conference
CHICAGO — July 6, 2009—HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan used his address to the Learning Conference on State and Local Housing Policy to outline broad new approaches to federal housing policy under the Obama presidency. Donovan expects to focus on restoring HUD's commitment to building and preserving affordable housing. He also foresees programs and initiatives focused on developing housing that is integrated with education, health care, transportation, and economic opportunity.
