(The Center Square) – Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell released an update to his city growth plan proposal to bring down housing costs and boost housing choices.
The updated proposal, titled the “One Seattle Comprehensive Plan,” increases zoning capacity to more than 330,000 new housing units, which more than doubles the city’s current housing capacity.
The initial plan estimated that at least 112,000 new units of housing will be needed over the next 25 years.
The updates are a result of public feedback held since the initial plan was introduced this spring.
The first phase of Harrell’s proposal would implement House Bill 1110, which allows for a more broad range of middle housing types. This allows for duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes across all neighborhood residential zones. HB 1110 was passed by the Legislature in 2023 and signed into law the same year.
The second phase would designate 30 neighborhood centers across that city, which intend to add increased housing close to existing businesses and amenities. That is an increase of six neighborhood centers from Harrell’s initial draft proposal.
It would also select arterial rezones along frequent transit routes to make public transit more accessible for residents.
Notably, Harrell’s plan includes an affordable housing bonus, which seeks to support 12 units on a typical 5,000-square-foot lot in residential areas if at least 50% of the units are affordable for low-income households.
Following future public comment meetings, the Seattle City Council will consider the first phase of the legislation in spring 2025.
The city council will consider the phase two legislation in summer 2025.
“As this plan moves forward, we will continue to advance our One Seattle housing agenda focused on lowering housing costs, ensuring families and workers can live in our city, preventing displacement, making it easier to build, and addressing root causes of our homelessness crisis,” Harrell said in a statement.
The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce recently released its quality of life survey that revealed 28% of respondents cite affordable housing and cost of living as the top issue for Seattle residents.
Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce CEO Rachel Smith voiced her support for Harrell’s updated proposal, saying that it lays the groundwork for more affordable housing across the city.
“This proposal has made it clear the city is committed to using land use tools to address affordability at a much larger – and needed – scale,” Smith said.
Seven in-person information sessions and two online sessions will be held by the city through Dec. 20 as city leaders considers further revisions based on public feedback.
