For the Reporter

King County Executive Dow Constantine today proposed a new partnership with the King County Housing Authority (KCHA) that would develop or acquire more than 2,000 units of affordable housing with low-cost financing made possible by the county’s credit rating.

Under the Constantine’s proposal, KCHA would have access to King County’s triple-A credit rating. That would enable the Housing Authority to develop or preserve up to 2,200 units of affordable housing over the next six years in strategic locations, such as near mass transit or high-performing schools.

“To ensure a strong, thriving middle class in our region, we must have more housing that is both affordable and connected to opportunity,” Constantine said. “By joining forces with the King County Housing Authority, we will deliver more than two thousand units of affordable housing countywide – near mass transit and in vibrant neighborhoods.”

Changes in banking practices in recent years have made it harder for housing authorities to get low-cost financing. With King County guaranteeing the loans, banks will extend a line of credit to the Housing Authority to acquire property sooner while it’s still relatively affordable.

“This partnership leverages the County’s credit authority to support the County’s social equity and smart growth agenda,” said Stephen Norman, executive director of King County Housing Authority. “County government’s support enables KCHA to work with the market to set the stage for the long term social and economic health of the region.

Constantine and Norman have directed their staffs to negotiate the details of this agreement. It needs to provide flexibility for the Housing Authority to act quickly while ensuring the protection of the County’s bond rating. A detailed proposal is expected in the summer.

The initiative would expand a partnership that over the past 20 years has helped the Housing Authority acquire more than 2,000 apartments that are affordable to working families.

Increasing inventory of affordable housing connected to opportunity

The partnership is the latest in a series of actions Constantine has taken to increase the inventory of affordable housing that’s connected to high-capacity transit.

Today, he will send to the County Council his plan to invest $48 million in transit-oriented development, with mixed-income housing connected to shopping, schools and job centers. Using new authority granted by the Legislature, King County will borrow against future revenue generated from lodging taxes to pay for the investments.

In February, he announced $7 million for capital projects that will create an additional 237 units of affordable housing, including units reserved for military veterans and residents who have previously been homeless. He also announced $10 million for services that help families and individuals remain in housing through case management, help finding employment and other services.