City of Seattle expands historic investments in affordable housing by committing $20 million to build new affordable homes at Northgate Commons
Partner media release
Seattle Housing Authority to lead development of this transit-oriented, mixed-income, high-opportunity community
SEATTLE — Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell committed $20 million to the Seattle Housing Authority’s Northgate Commons redevelopment project, further strengthening the City’s efforts to make Seattle more affordable for everyone who calls it home.
“This project directly addresses the City’s need for more affordable housing in areas close to transit with access to the types of opportunities that help people succeed,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Northgate Commons will reflect the kind of diverse and thriving communities we seek to build in Seattle – affordable spaces that baristas, construction workers, and teachers alike can call home. Northgate Commons will be a shining example of what we can do when we align our housing vision with great partners like the Seattle Housing Authority, who share our values and relentless pursuit of a more equitable, affordable Seattle.”
The new affordable homes will be part of a vibrant mixed-income, mixed-use community spanning 8.5 acres. Once the entire site has been redeveloped, the Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) anticipates it will include up to 1,400 homes, including an estimated 420 affordable homes, more than twice the number of affordable homes previously available at the site. The affordable homes will serve families at two income levels: 60% AMI and below, and 80% AMI and below. Demolition of the existing outdated structures is set to begin in early 2026 followed by construction of the new homes. The City’s commitment to Northgate Commons follows the publication earlier this week by the Office of Housing of a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) of $100 million for affordable housing.
Northgate Commons will be the kind of walkable, transit-oriented development opportunity that Mayor Harrell seeks to foster, as the location is within three blocks of the Northgate Light Rail Station, and within walking distance of a Seattle Public Library branch, community center, North Seattle College, and a multitude of retail and other quality employment opportunities.
This project comes at a critical time for Seattle and will benefit from recent policy reforms under Mayor Harrell’s administration, like the design review exemption for affordable housing and expedited permitting measures, which make it easier and faster to build affordable housing across the city, especially near transit.
“This is an extraordinary moment,” said Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) Executive Director Rod Brandon. “SHA purchased this property in 2019 because we saw a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build mixed-income housing in a neighborhood that is truly ready for it. With nearby transit, education, and healthcare, SHA is proud to be part of the Northgate community.”
SHA is also preparing to complete several other affordable housing development milestones this year, including:
- Opening Juniper, the final building in the nationally recognized Yesler Terrace redevelopment. Opening this fall, Juniper will provide 114 new low-income and affordable homes in a range of sizes, welcoming returning families and new residents to the revitalized neighborhood.
- Construction is planned to start for the redevelopment at Jackson Park Village in Lake City, where 41 outdated units will be replaced with 100 new homes, all family-sized units.
“We serve over 37,000 people across the city through the housing we manage and the Housing Choice Vouchers we administer,” Brandon said. “But we do more than build housing—we build communities. Northgate Commons will be no different.”
Final design, community engagement, and permitting work are underway to ensure that local residents have input throughout the process, so the development ultimately serves their needs and reflects their priorities.
What people are saying
Maiko Winkler-Chin, Director, Seattle Office of Housing
“Collaboration has always been at the heart of how we support stronger, more connected communities, and address affordable housing in Seattle. The partnership between the Seattle Housing Authority and the City of Seattle is an example of what is possible working together to create affordable homes in neighborhoods with good transit, essential services, and access to opportunities. Everyone deserves a healthy and affordable home, and these efforts bring us closer to that shared vision.”
Rico Quirindongo, Director, Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development
"Northgate Commons is an example of what is possible when we invest in communities through transit-oriented development. This project will bring the vision of a 15-minute neighborhood to life, creating new homes within walking distance of light rail, parks, grocery stores, and everyday essentials. This is the kind of equitable growth we need to ensure a more inclusive, affordable, and connected city for generations to come."
Kye Lee, Interim Director, Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections
"Northgate Commons is exactly the kind of smart, transit-oriented development Seattle needs. It delivers much-needed housing in the heart of the Northgate Urban Center—just steps from light rail—and supports our shared vision for vibrant, walkable neighborhoods connected to jobs, services, and opportunity. At SDCI, we're committed to streamlining permits so projects like this can move forward faster and begin serving the community sooner."
Media Contacts:
Mayor’s Office
Kate Jacobs
Kate.Jacobs@seattle.gov
(425) 677-6287
Seattle Housing Authority
communications@seattlehousing.org