Earlier this week, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced a $170 million investment in affordable housing, the largest single-year commitment in Seattle’s history.
The funding, distributed through the city’s annual Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), will support the creation of new affordable rental homes, preserve existing properties, and — for the first time — provide stabilization funds to keep financially struggling housing projects viable.
“An affordable home provides stability, security, and the foundation to grow and thrive,” Harrell said. “This investment will create additional affordable homes and maintain existing ones, with a focus on families with very low incomes and people exiting shelter into permanent housing.”
The 2025 NOFA reflects shifting priorities as the city faces an affordability crisis that has left many working families priced out and increased pressure on the shelter system. Funding will focus on homes for people earning 30% or less of area median income (AMI) and for families, which officials say are the hardest to deliver without public investment.
Patience Malaba, executive director of the Housing Development Consortium of Seattle-King County, said the funding recognizes the full spectrum of housing needs.
“This significant investment meets the moment for Seattle and demonstrates the City’s commitment to both creating new affordable homes and preserving the ones we already have,” Malaba said.
Councilmember Debora Juarez said the funds will help ensure affordable housing is built across the city.
“Seattle needs more housing in every district. And it needs to be affordable,” Juarez said.
Applicants must show their projects are ready to move forward and meet criteria on location, funding sources, and target populations. Awards will be announced later this year, with applications due by September 18 at noon.
Harrell said the investment underscores his administration’s broader housing commitment.
“This is part of the more than $1 billion we’ve committed to affordable housing, and it embodies our focus on tackling housing affordability with urgency and action,” Harrell said.
