Want to learn how King County can create more affordable housing in unincorporated communities?
We’re exploring three policy tools that could improve housing affordability and stability — and we want your input.
- Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption (MFTE): A program that lowers property taxes for housing developers that include affordable homes. It can apply to housing like townhomes and condos. State law now allows MFTE in parts of unincorporated King County.
- Inclusionary Housing: A policy that creates affordable homes as new housing is built. It can be voluntary or required. In the workshops, you’ll learn how each approach works and where they could be used in unincorporated King County.
- Community Preference: A program that helps reduce displacement by giving priority for affordable housing to people with ties to a neighborhood, such as current residents or those pushed out by rising housing costs.
Join King County staff and partners for a series of virtual workshops. You’ll learn how these tools work, where they could be used, and share your thoughts on what your community needs. Each session includes time for questions. Workshops will also be recorded and posted online for later viewing.
Virtual workshop series schedule
The first of the three-part series workshops is next Thursday, May 7. All workshops are held online. Register to attend. Interpretation services may be available upon request. For interpretation services or questions, email housing@kingcounty.gov.
- Workshop #1 – Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption (MFTE): Thursday, May 7 | 5:00–6:00 PM
- Workshop #2 – Inclusionary Housing: Tuesday, May 12 | 5:00–6:00 PM
- Workshop #3 – Community Preference: Monday, May 18 | 5:00–6:00 PM
Why this matters
These workshops kick off the first phase of community input on new housing policy tools in unincorporated King County to support housing affordability and stability. These new tools are a part of the recent 2024 Comprehensive Plan, which sets the County’s long-term approach to growth. It sets the rules for land use, housing, and public investments, helping the County make decisions about development, services, and community planning. You’ll learn how these policy tools could be used and help shape how they respond to local housing needs.
This work also builds on past community input, including engagement with the Comprehensive Plan Equity Work Group and communities in Skyway–West Hill and North Highline.
“We can’t design effective housing solutions without the people they’re meant to support,” said Phoenica Zhang, Housing Policy Manager at the Housing and Community Development Division of the Department of Community and Human Services. “Community voices are key to shaping policies that reflect real needs and help prevent displacement.”
Register to join and learn how these tools work, see how they could apply in your community, and share input that helps shape future housing policies in unincorporated King County.
Unable to attend? Visit our public input page for updates, other ways to engage, and flyers in other languages to help spread the word.
