Seattle’s New Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) Legislation
On March 18, 2019, the City Council voted 9-0 to adopt a citywide MHA legislation, implementing affordable housing requirements in 27 urban villages throughout Seattle. MHA’s main goal is to ensure that growth brings affordability. MHA requires new development to include affordable homes or contribute to a City fund for affordable housing. The City Council implements this requirement by changing zoning to allow larger development and more housing.
Seattle Magazine came out with an article a couple of weeks ago, presenting a relatively impartial analysis of the pros and cons of this proposed legislation, as well as what the short and long-term implications might be. Check it out here: Unanimous Vote Moves City’s Density Plan Forward
Whether you’re for or against this legislation, it will impact everyone in Seattle directly or indirectly, so it’s important to educate ourselves as much as we can. I’ve provided some resources below!
Seattle Council Adopts Citywide MHA (March 18, 2019)
MHA Overview: Implementing Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) Citywide (March 19, 2019)
Builders and Planning for Mandatory Upzones
*Search an address for zoning or click on this map to see information about the new MHA zones
