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.
A public meeting on the plan will be held on Tuesday evening, September 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Center Park Community Room at 2121 26th Ave S in Central Seattle. At that time, members of the public may offer comments and suggestions on the draft. The housing authority Board of Commissioners will consider the plan at its regular meeting on September 20.
The new plan is entitled “Bold Plans in the Face of Uncertainty.” According to Executive Director Tom Tierney, the plan re-affirms the agency’s core commitments. It also calls for new areas of focus, with an emphasis on expanding access to education and economic opportunity.
“When we talk about core commitments, we want to emphasize our main business of managing, maintaining and improving our housing stock,” noted Tierney. “We also intend to complete the redevelopment of NewHolly, Rainier Vista and High Point so that both the rental and for-sale housing is done, along with the mixed-use developments. We have also made good progress in planning for the redevelopment of Yesler Terrace, and we intend to transform those plans into reality.”
Areas of new focus include taking action to address the rising demand for senior housing and increasing opportunities for low-income residents. “We want to take actions so that low-income residents throughout Seattle can achieve greater financial stability and independence.”
Another area of new focus is expanding options for low-income residents who use Housing Choice Vouchers. Through new programs and services, the housing authority will ensure that these residents are able the live in the neighborhoods that best meet their needs.
The draft plan also seeks to support members of the newly developed communities of Rainier Vista, NewHolly and High Point as they work to develop these new communities into true neighborhoods.
The planning effort has been led by Virginia Felton, who directs communication and strategic planning efforts for the Seattle Housing Authority. The draft has been developed over the past year with input from staff, residents and community members. Contact Felton at 206-615-3506 or vfelton@seattlehousing.org to share comments and suggestions. The deadline for comments is September 9.