This week, we announced $23.7 million for eight affordable housing developments across South King County, East King County, and the City of Seattle. Together, these investments will create 672 affordable homes, reflecting both the scale of the region’s housing demand and King County’s ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of a growing and increasingly diverse population.
“The demand for affordable housing in King County is urgent and undeniable,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “Too many individuals and families throughout our county are being priced out of the communities they call home or are unable to secure safe, affordable housing in our neighborhoods. Everyone deserves a place to live with dignity and stability, and this investment reflects our commitment to ensure residents in King County can find and keep an affordable home in the communities where they work, go to school, raise families, and belong.”
According to the latest Countywide Housing Needs Assessment, the region needs 178,000 affordable homes by 2044 — including 166,000 for households earning below 50% of AMI.
The eight funded developments will prioritize housing for low-income residents, people experiencing homelessness, families with children, and communities that have been historically excluded from access to stable housing. These efforts will advance King County’s goal to expand affordable housing near transit, support equitable development, and stabilize communities across the region.
The Housing Finance Program is part of King County Department of Community & Human Services’ (DCHS) Housing & Community Development Division. The program administers funds for the development and preservation of affordable housing throughout King County. Since 2022, the Housing Finance Program has awarded over $171.6 million toward the building of 3,636 affordable homes.
“Creating affordable housing at this scale is only possible through partnership with cities, housing authorities, public funders and community-based housing providers,” said Susan McLaughlin, Interim Director of DCHS. “By coming together, we can better leverage the resources we have, strengthen projects, and move developments forward. By staying engaged with our partners throughout the life of a project — from early planning through construction — we’re able to make every dollar work harder and support housing that has lasting impact for the communities it serves.”
King County works side by side with each awardee throughout the full life of each project — from early planning and underwriting to construction and long-term affordability — helping to assemble financing, reduce risk, and keep developments moving forward. This collaborative approach allows the County to stretch limited public dollars while ensuring projects deliver lasting, community-centered affordable housing.
Awarded Developments by Region
South King County — Two Developments | 149 Units
- African Community Housing & Development will oversee the development of 129 affordable rental homes in SeaTac, serving immigrant and refugee families, individuals, and people experiencing homelessness.
- The Mental Health Housing Foundation will provide 20 affordable rental homes in Federal Way for individuals living with chronic mental illness.
East King County — Four Developments | 393 Units
- Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King will create 25 affordable homeownership units in Bellevue for families with children (up to 80% AMI).
- King County Housing Authority will develop 156 affordable rental homes in Issaquah for families with children (40–60% AMI).
- The Low Income Housing Institute will provide 66 affordable rental homes in Bellevue, serving people experiencing homelessness, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and families.
- SRM Development and Hopelink will create 146 affordable rental homes in Bellevue for families with children and survivors of domestic violence.
City of Seattle — Two Developments | 130 Units
- East African Community Services will develop 60 affordable rental homes in Seattle for young adults, families with children, and people with disabilities.
- The Seattle Chinatown–International District Preservation and Development Authority will provide 70 affordable rental homes serving immigrant families and households with children.
“Mental Health Housing Foundation is truly grateful to be a recipient of King County’s Housing Finance Program. These funds will allow MHHF to move forward with the planning and construction of our new Federal Way Project. The 30-unit apartment complex will allow MHHF to provide low-income families in South King County with a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Michele Cox, Executive Director of the Mental Health Housing Foundation.
“We are appreciative of the support from King County for this project in an area that lacks significant affordable housing options, especially for families,” said Mary Koutrelakos, Development Manager at SRM Development. “This meaningful investment will ensure that 146 households will be able to live closer to where they work in Washington’s most expensive region.” “This investment by King County in affordable housing will make a lasting difference for families in our region,” said Brett D’Antonio, CEO of Habitat Seattle-King County. “At Orchard Gardens, 25 families will gain the life-changing opportunity of homeownership — giving children continuity in their schools, families the ability to put down roots, and neighbors the chance to build strong, connected communities. These homes will remain permanently affordable for future generations, further amplifying their impact. The housing crisis in our region is urgent, and continued investments like this are essential to keep homeownership within reach.”