Preservation Tax Exemption: An Efficient and Sensible Way to Preserve Older Housing

Yesterday, in Olympia, I gave some comments to the Senate Human Services, Mental Health & Housing about Senate Bill 5182. The proposal was offered in a previous legislative session but failed to pass. I think this proposal called the “Preservation Tax Exemption,” is a great idea if it’s done correctly. The idea is to expand the […]

Mayor and City Council Still Riding the MIZ Tiger. But for How Long?

A couple of more cracks appeared in Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning (MIZ) in the last couple weeks. First, Councilmembers are beginning to take the idea of a lawsuit seriously and they haven’t figured out what to do if it is successful. Second, growing pressure from angry neighbors about U District upzones is taking its toll on […]

Trends to Watch in 2017: An Upsurge of Identity Politics

Something to watch unfold this year in Seattle as we try to work on the housing shortage which is leading to higher prices, is an upsurge of identity politics associated with housing. As a person of color (or POC as we’re called) I am concerned about the growing role that race is taking in our […]