Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has taken significant steps to address the city’s housing challenges by signing new legislation aimed at increasing co-living housing opportunities. This initiative is part of the comprehensive One Seattle Housing Agenda, which is focused on creating more affordable housing options in Seattle.
Co-living spaces, often referred to as micro-apartments or single-room occupancy buildings, offer residents small, private living areas along with shared communal amenities like kitchens. These units typically rent for between $850 and $950 a month, making them a more affordable alternative in a city where housing costs have skyrocketed.
Mayor Harrell emphasized the importance of diversifying the housing landscape in Seattle, stating, “To bring down housing costs and serve residents at all stages of life, Seattle needs more housing and a diverse range of housing options.” The new legislation aims to eliminate unnecessary obstacles to developing co-living residences, allowing for greater flexibility in design and reducing parking requirements near major transit stops.
State leaders and housing developers joined the mayor, highlighting the collaboration necessary to facilitate real solutions to the homeless and housing affordability crisis. Senator Jesse Salomon and Representative Mia Gregerson voiced their approval, noting the bill’s potential to cater to both young professionals and retirees by creating a variety of housing types that go beyond traditional single-family homes.
Additionally, the mayor has proposed further legislation to update the city’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) code. This proposed update would permit two ADUs per lot and allow for dual detached accessory dwelling units across all residential zones. Another initiative involves pursuing a sales tax exemption for projects converting nonresidential spaces into housing, thereby encouraging more conversions in response to a changing economy.
This legislation is a crucial part of the One Seattle Housing Agenda, which seeks to cut red tape and incentivize the construction of new homes. Additional measures include passing a historic housing levy in 2023 to build over 3,100 affordable homes and providing permanent exemptions from design reviews for affordable projects.
As cities across the nation grapple with housing crises, Seattle’s proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to fostering inclusive communities. By embracing diverse housing solutions like co-living arrangements, Seattle is not only working towards alleviating the housing shortage but also promoting a sense of community among residents.
In summary, the new legislation represents a comprehensive strategy to enhance affordable living options in Seattle, showcasing how collaboration and innovative legislative approaches can address pressing urban challenges. With continued efforts aimed at diversifying housing types and easing development processes, there is hope for a more inclusive and accessible housing market in Seattle.