Last week Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced his Downtown Activation Plan to increase affordable housing in the Downtown Seattle District. The plan will restructure zoning limits in the area to allow for taller multifamily housing structures.

Under Harrell’s plan, the maximum zoning requirement would rise to 440 feet, up from the current max of 170 feet. This change would allow for taller residential buildings with more affordable units. Harrell also plans to incentivize mixed-use residential buildings to increase the number of businesses like schools, childcare facilities and retail shops available to residents.

“Downtown Seattle is home to award-winning restaurants, world-class theaters and museums, a new waterfront and convention center,” said Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss. “Mayor Harrell’s Downtown Activation Plan sets in motion the step-by-step actions needed to make downtown the vibrant neighborhood we all know it can be.”

Harrell’s Downtown Activation Plan will potentially go to the Seattle City Council for a vote in July.

“With bold thinking and a commitment to progress, we will once again set our sights on an ambitious future for downtown, creating a place where everyone can succeed and capturing the spirit of innovation, inclusivity and forward-thinking that has defined Seattle for decades,” Harrell said.