Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Unveils Citywide Homelessness Plan as Affordable Housing Advances

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has unveiled a new strategy aimed at addressing the city's homelessness crisis and reducing homelessness, according to reports published by FOX 13 Seattle and KOMO. The policy announcement comes as KING5.com reported that Seattle is shifting its overall homelessness strategy while the number of unsheltered people continues to grow.

As part of the new strategy, the mayor is expanding a downtown pilot program designed to reduce homelessness, The Business Journals reported. According to a report from KUOW, Mayor Wilson wants to expand a World Cup homeless plan to the entire city. MyNorthwest.com reported that Seattle's new homelessness plan aims to move people into housing, while also noting that big questions remain regarding the effort.

The administration's approach and recent city policies on homelessness have also drawn sharp criticism over both strategy and cost. In a piece for Seattle Red, Rantz wrote that Mayor Katie Wilson's new homelessness plan is the same failed Housing First scam. In a separate report, Seattle Red stated that removing homeless people from RVs will cost Seattle taxpayers millions.

Alongside the homelessness strategy, city officials and local media reported several updates on affordable and social housing across Seattle neighborhoods. On Seattle.gov, the City of Seattle announced 77 new permanently affordable homes. Additionally, the West Seattle Blog published an updated development follow-up regarding a city grant for a North Delridge affordable homeownership project. Meanwhile, MyNorthwest.com reported that as plans move forward for Seattle's first social housing project, Gee asked who is going to be the builder and wants Central District builders at the table.