March 16, 2006

DIRECTOR'S CORNER

By TIM HARRIS

Unless you’re the most casual of Real Change readers, you’ve probably noticed that we actually care about downtown density. At issue is to what extent developers will get to profit from Seattle’s declining affordability, and to what extent affordable housing will be subsidized, however inadequately, by same. The Mayor’s plan for “upzoning,” as the phrase goes, has developers contributing $10 per square foot for development that exceeds current height limits. A counterproposal drafted by Peter Steinbrueck — supported by two economic studies — sets the subsidy at twice that.

This fight matters to us. A lot. Increased density will drastically accelerate Seattle’s trend toward declining affordability, and it only makes sense that those who reap the profits should offset the public costs.

Sadly, not everyone agrees. Developers have responded by attacking the data, threatening the city with lawsuits, and twisting arms at City Hall in the friendliest of Seattle fashion. Moreover, as Mayor Nickels’ contributors list amply attests, developers, bankers, and lawyers in Seattle know how to reward their friends (and punish their enemies).

Over the past few months we’ve organized a community forum on this issue, testified at hearings, and generated hundreds of emails, letters, and phone calls, but it’s not enough. The City Council needs to hear unambiguously that there is broad community support for a higher standard on affordable housing. To find out what you can do, visit realchangenews.org and click on “A Downtown for All.”