Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced that the city will award $147 million to affordable housing providers this year. These funds will go towards the construction and upkeep of over 1,000 affordable housing units in Seattle.

“Too many Seattle neighbors are feeling the strain of high housing costs and the affordable housing crisis,” Harrell said. “As an administration, we are committed to exploring all avenues to build more housing and expand safe and affordable housing options. These significant investments represent needed action to provide needed affordable housing, helping tackle homelessness, displacement and other related issues that threaten the well-being of our community.”

The Seattle Office of Housing accepted 12 proposals from affordable housing providers, 11 of which include the construction of new apartment buildings. One proposal includes the preservation of an affordable housing building in Belltown. The Office of Housing will also contribute funds toward three affordable homeownership programs, including the Rainier Valley Affordable Homeownership Initiative.

“It is with great pleasure that we announce these funding awards for affordable rental housing production and preservation, as well as affordable homeownership,” said Office of Housing Director Maiko Winkler-Chin. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and are excited to collaborate with our partners to create a Seattle where everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home.”