Seattle Housing Authority not going ahead with ‘Stepping Forward’

(WSB photo from High Point hearing on ‘Stepping Forward,” 9/29/2014)
Two and a half months after a High Point hearing dominated by vigorously protesting opponents, the Seattle Housing Authority is reported to have set aside its proposed “Stepping Forward” rent-increase plan. The Seattle Times (WSB partner) cites a letter from SHA director Andrew Lofton to Mayor Ed Murray (linked here), acknowledging “many questions and concerns about the availability of living-wage jobs for low-income people.” Lofton’s letter says SHA will work on a new rent-policy proposal that will “take at least a year” and likely won’t be ready before 2016.

3 Replies to "Seattle Housing Authority not going ahead with 'Stepping Forward'"

  • skeeter December 17, 2014 (12:00 pm)

    Hmmm. That’s too bad. I thought the “Stepping Forward” plan made a lot of sense and would help free up some of the backlog for the thousands of families waiting for a spot.

    I guess it goes like this – once you get the highly subsidized housing you get to keep it forever and the guys who got in line behind you are locked out.

  • Lynn December 17, 2014 (12:41 pm)

    It sounded like a good plan to help out more people. It does just seem like who ever the lucky lifers are just get to keep it and others are just out of luck. Kinda like rent control apartment in NYC.

  • 33me December 17, 2014 (8:19 pm)

    This is highly disappointing. We are left with a system that rewards a lack of trying and failure, instead of one that looks to give a hand up, not and endless handout. We let the few on the gravy train and those gullible fools they snowed hijack a great idea. I get it – the high level optics on this are tough – but at its core it will better serve those in need who actually care to try to better themselves. Sad.

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