Seattle Office of Housing

About

Seattle Office of Housing

Story

The Office of Housing invests millions of dollars every year in Seattle's neighborhoods, meeting the needs of first-time homebuyers; homeowners struggling with repair bills; lower-wage workers looking for affordable housing; and those with no home at all.

Through two funding rounds each year, Office of Housing staff analyze multifamily housing proposals, funding solid projects that best serve the community’s needs – be it affordable rental units or housing for the homeless.

The City provides up to $45,000 in low-interest deferred payment loans to first-time homebuyers.

On-site conservation and construction experts identify energy-use and home repair needs for low-income customers, and then we provide both low-interest loans and grants to help cover energy conservation and home improvement expenses.

Our staff advocates for state and local legislation that will help create more affordable housing for all.

We manage and market a Multifamily Tax Exemption Program in 39 target neighborhoods, requiring a portion of units in new rental projects that receive tax incentives to be affordable to Seattle’s low-to-middle income workforce.

We oversee all City-funded projects to ensure that they serve the people they are intended to serve, are well maintained and financially sound.

Mission

The mission of the Seattle Office of Housing is to build strong healthy communities and increase opportunities for people of all income levels to live in our city.