Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson announced the City Council’s unanimous approval of a $115 million agreement with the Seattle Social Housing Developer (SSHD) to create permanently affordable and publicly owned housing. This funding aims to help hundreds of working individuals in Seattle amid rising housing costs. Mayor Wilson emphasized the need for diverse housing options, stating that social housing is a vital part of the solution.

The funding comes from Proposition 1A, a 5 percent tax on incomes over $1 million, passed by voters in 2025, which will support social housing initiatives. The city has started collecting tax payments from around 170 employers. SSHD’s interim CEO Tiffani McCoy highlighted plans to acquire the first building this year, aiming to house people across various income levels.

To facilitate housing development, McCoy has appointed Ginger Segel as Chief Real Estate Development Officer and Koll Husemoen as interim Chief Financial Officer, both experienced in affordable housing and real estate development. SSHD was established through I-135, which received 57% voter approval in February 2023. Local leaders are committed to addressing the housing crisis through mixed-income housing solutions.