Get Ready for Seattle's Great Inclusionary Zoning Debate

Background:
Seattle's DPD and City Council are planning to consider major upzones (greater density, usually by raising building height limits) in some of Seattle's neighborhoods. The first of those neighborhoods, the Dravus/Interbay area, will likely go before the City Council by the end of the summer. Last year the State Legislature passed a bill that gives cities the ability to offer incentives to developers in exchange for inclusion of affordable housing units. (Previously the legality was murky, though untested.)

Where the City Government Stands:
Although no announcements have been made to the press, it’s understood among stakeholders that Mayor Nickels supports using this tool to create affordable housing and has directed his DPD staff to identify areas ripe for upzones that will include some sort of inclusionary zoning requirement. Likewise, seven of the nine City Council Members say they are supportive, though it’s said that when pressed for details, most falter.

Where it goes from here:
No one is particularly interested in reliving the Downtown Density Bonus fight (the one over the $18/sf number) so it's going to be interesting to see how this plays out. I'll do my best to keep you updated on where the issue stands. Of course, if you have any tips, rumors, or other information, please to send it my way: seattleplans@gmail.com.

Update: Comprehensive list (since 09-06) of local inclusionary/incentive zoning programs.

Events:

Neutral(?):
The City Council will be hosting a forum on incentivized inclusionary zoning similar to the recent community benefits forum.
Dates, details to be determined.
June, 2007
Council Chambers, Seattle City Hall
Free
More info coming.

For/Neutral(?):
Housing Partnership Workshop
The Ins and Outs: Inclusionary Programs for Affordable Housing
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Council Chambers, Kirkland City Hall
$40 per person, includes breakfast
A discussion surrounding the details of inclusionary programs:
Structures, Who Pays?, Mandatory vs. Voluntary, Mkt & Comm Reaction
More info: luisassociates@comcast.net

Against:
Master Builders Association of King & Snohomish County
The Truth Behind Inclusionary Zoning
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
MBA Housing Center, 335 116th Ave. SE, Bellevue
$25 members/$30 non-members
An economist will explain why it does more harm than good.
More info here.