CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, July 24, 2023 Conference Room 303 - Shoreline City Hall
5:45 p.m. 17500 Midvale Avenue North
PRESENT: Councilmembers John Ramsdell, Laura Mork, Doris McConnell, and Eben Pobee
ABSENT: Mayor Keith Scully, Deputy Mayor Betsy Robertson, and Councilmember Chris Roberts
STAFF: Bristol Ellington, City Manager
John Norris, Assistant City Manager
Jim Hammond, Intergovernmental/CMO Program Manager
Mary Reidy, Recreation, Cultural and Community Services Director
GUESTS: King County Housing Authority
Robin Walls, Executive Director/CEO
Tim Walter, Senior Director of Development and Asset Management
Andrew Calkins, Director of Policy & Intergovernmental Affairs
At 5:48 p.m., the meeting was called to order by Councilmember Pobee who was previously selected by Mayor Scully to serve as the presiding officer for the dinner meeting. All Councilmembers were present except for Mayor Keith Scully, Deputy Mayor Betsy Robertson, and Councilmember Chris Roberts who were absent.
Jim Hammond, Intergovernmental/CMO Program Manager, highlighted the importance of housing affordability at all income levels and introduced the representatives from the King County Housing Authority (KCHA).
Robin Walls, Executive Director/CEO of KCHA, presented the programs of KCHA and their role in addressing housing needs in Shoreline. She stated that KCHA serves over 23,000 households through various affordable housing programs such as federally subsidized housing and workforce housing. KCHA also has a program for foster care and offers affordable homeownership options. Andrew Calkins, Director of Policy & Intergovernmental Affairs, spoke about the history of several KCHA housing properties in Shoreline.
Ms. Walls said that most of the funding for KCHA comes from the Federal Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and rental revenue from tenants. KCHA has over 1,200 affordable homes in their inventory and can issue tax-exempt bonds to finance additional properties. Tim Walter, Senior Director of Development and Asset Management, added that historically, KCHA acquired and managed properties that could generate sufficient rental income at market rates to fund itself. However, over time the cost of housing has continued to rise and cap rates have dropped, resulting in KCHA being unable to finance 100% of the cost of a mortgage.
Mr. Walter noted that the cost of housing makes affordability for all difficult, but it is better to do now what is feasible to address the affordable housing crisis and homelessness. In that effort to preserve housing affordability, KCHA is looking to acquire and manage properties in well-located areas that are likely to become more expensive. Housing authorities are required to make 50% of units available at move in to households at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI). Mr. Walter said KCHA also maintains community partnerships and issues project-based vouchers to address homelessness, although voucher holders still face barriers in accessing housing.
There was discussion on various housing programs, partnerships, and strategies to address affordable housing. Councilmembers asked questions regarding housing eligibility and demand. Ms. Walls explained KCHA’s criteria for housing programs and systems to place households. She said KCHA aims to empower people with information through Housing Navigators and Landlord Liaisons to assist households and landlords in navigating KCHA systems and the rental market to match their needs with housing opportunities.
A question was asked about the size and cost considerations for workforce housing and potential property acquisition opportunities in Shoreline. Mr. Walter emphasized that operating housing is expensive and listed some qualities of properties KCHA would consider acquiring for housing.
At 6:44 p.m., Councilmember Pobee declared the meeting adjourned.
/s/ Kendyl Hardy, Deputy City Clerk