For media release:

SEATTLE—September 5, 2017—The University of Washington and the Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) have signed a memorandum of understanding for the two organizations to develop affordable housing in the University District.

The goal is to create a minimum of 150 affordable units that will be income restricted to those making 60 percent or less of area median income. Units will be offered first to University faculty and staff who meet income requirements before being made available to the general public under the same income requirements. The project will also include housing and services for homeless young adults, and possibly other services such as childcare.

“At the UW, we’re part of this community, and we see what Seattle’s growth has done to rents and mortgages. This partnership creates the opportunity to provide a new, affordable option to UW employees who could otherwise be priced out of living near where they work. It’s an expansion of our commitment to our employees, but it’s also the right thing to do for them and for the city we all call home,” said UW President Ana Mari Cauce.

“This project represents a significant contribution to two of our community’s most urgent needs: affordable housing and housing for homeless youth,” said SHA Executive Director Andrew Lofton. “We are pleased to partner with the University to help make this important project a reality.”

The two organizations will launch an RFP/RFQ process later this year to identify a development partner to construct and potentially manage the building. Contingent on financing, the goal is to have the facility open by 2021. The University already owns the property at 42nd and Roosevelt on which the building would be located.

This project represents the University’s ongoing commitment to support an inclusive and thriving University District and responds to the growing housing affordability crisis in the Seattle region.

Media Contacts: 

Kerry Coughlin 
Director of Communications 
Seattle Housing Authority
kerry.coughlin@seattlehousing.org
206.615.3506 

Aaron Hoard 
Deputy Director 
Office of Regional & Community Relations 
University of Washington
ahoard@uw.edu 
206-953-5486 

About Seattle Housing Authority

The mission of the Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) is to enhance the Seattle community by creating and sustaining decent, safe and affordable living environments that foster stability and self-sufficiency for people with low incomes. SHA provides long-term, low-income rental housing and rental assistance to more than 34,000 people in the City of Seattle. SHA owns and operates approximately 8,000 units at nearly 400 sites throughout the city. SHA also handles more than 10,000 Housing Choice Vouchers, enabling low-income residents to receive rental assistance throughout the Seattle housing market. SHA, a public corporation established in 1939, is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, two of whom are SHA residents. Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. More information is available at seattlehousing.org.