Seattle Housing recognized for design excellence by local architects' organization

SEATTLE—May 31, 2008—At its annual awards dinner on May 31 the Seattle chapter of the American Institute of Architects presented Seattle Housing with its 2008 Community Service Award. The AIA honors committee lauded the Housing Authority for its "extraordinary commitment to outstanding design as a right, not a privilege."

Seattle Housing Authority seeks extension of "Moving to Work" status

SEATTLE—May 9, 2008—Seattle Housing Authority staff members are seeking an extension to the agency's "Moving to Work" status. This designation has allowed the Housing Authority to implement local strategies tailored to Seattle's needs, even when they conflict with HUD regulations. The current MTW contract is due to expire in 2009. On May 19 SHA will hold a hearing to consider a ten year extension that would continue to allow for regulatory flexibility, though it would require additional reporting.

More than 12,000 participate in Section 8 Lottery

SEATTLE—May 1, 2008—Seattle Housing Authority has created a new waiting list of 4,000 households for its Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8). Those 4,000 were selected at random from nearly 12,400 households that entered a lottery for waiting list positions conducted in March and April. Of those on the new list, 600 have already been notified to receive a voucher. The new waiting list is expected to last for about two years.