SEATTLE - The $145 million Seattle housing levy received a 63 percent yes vote in early returns Tuesday night.
For nearly three decades, Seattle voters have approved a housing levy that funds affordable housing for the homeless, disabled and elderly. The 2009 levy, called Proposition 1, will collect the funds over seven years.
For the typical Seattle house, the levy would cost about $6 a month. The last levy assisted 4,500 renters and preserved or produced 2,000 affordable apartments. Supporters say if this one doesn't pass, Seattle would be hurting.
"We would have more families living in their cars and children with no place to go home at night," said advocate Anna Markee.
Opponents don't want a tax during a recession. They say the housing bubble is over and that rents and home prices are falling.
Both Seattle mayoral candidates Mike McGinn and Joe Mallahan support the housing levy.
jackwong said on November 4, 2009 at 12:08 AM
Good Job, Seattle! It is the only sensible thing to do. It only makes sense that if we can afford our 3000 sq/ft homes, Range Rovers, and Starbucks every morning, a few bucks a month to help the poor/homeless/disabled only makes sense. The only thing to say is that we haven't done enough to raise more funding.