Seattle Mayor’s Plan Seeks to Bring ‘Missing Middle Housing’ to Every Neighborhood

The plan is expected to create at least 100,000 new units of housing over the next 20 years.

Author: Helen Smith Published: 11:41 AM PST March 5, 2024 Updated: 12:39 PM PST March 5, 2024

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SEATTLE — In his proposed update to the city’s comprehensive plan, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell is focused on bringing “missing middle housing” and increased housing density to the city to tackle the affordability crisis and prepare for an expected population increase over the next two decades. 

The plan would pave the way for 100,000 new units of housing within 20 years, with a focus on developing new units in areas served by transit. 

Harrell acknowledged that the skyrocketing costs of housing and doing business in Seattle have pushed out longtime residents, communities and business owners. 

He emphasized that the plan would bring a “greater diversity of housing types” to every neighborhood to build a city where “teachers, baristas and working families can afford to live.”

Harrell’s administration sought community feedback over two years while putting the proposal together. 

The plan’s growth strategy and zoning changes will:

  • Encourage the development of duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes
  • Allow the development of six units on a lot if at least two are affordable for low-income households and offer additional height allowances for affordable housing projects within a quarter mile of frequent transit, like the light rail
  • Designate 24 new Neighborhood Centers with added housing capacity close to businesses and amenities that meet residents’ needs within a short walk, bike or transit trip 
  • Guide new housing projects to areas that are served by transit
  • Tailor zoning in areas at high risk of displacement to reduce pressures on existing residents while promoting options to add new housing units or properties 
  • Allow more corner stores in neighborhood residential areas to support new businesses and complete neighborhoods where residents can meet everyday needs
  • Further climate goals by prioritizing transit-oriented growth, reducing reliance on cars and building more walkable neighborhoods

Now that the draft plan is released, there is a 60-day public comment period with plans for public engagement throughout the city. The Office of Planning and Community Development encourages all community members to learn about and provide feedback on the draft plan by emailing [email protected].

This article was originally posted by King 5.

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