In a move set to shape the future of affordable housing in Seattle, Mayor Bruce Harrell, flanked by state leaders and property developers, penned new legislation aimed at accelerating the production of co-living housing in the city. A surge in micro-apartment and single-room occupancy options will offer residents lower-than-average rental rates within communal living arrangements, typically costing between $850 and $950 monthly, announced the City of Seattle's official website.

The legislation, conforming with Washington State Engrossed House Substitute Bill 1998, clears the path for co-living quarters in multi-family zones and relaxes design criteria to add versatility to the configuration of shared spaces while, at the same time, the bill also sweeps away previous parking mandates within 0.50 miles of major transit stops, said Mayor Harrell stated, "To bring down housing costs and serve residents at all stages of life, Seattle needs more housing and a more diverse range of housing options," underscoring the initiative as a pragmatic approach to diversifying the housing mix in localities rife with employment, commuting options, and various amenities, according to the city's official website.

Advocating for an array of housing opportunities, State Senator Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline) highlighted the bill's potential to aid young adults and retirees by offering affordable living in sought-after neighborhoods, "This bill offers people more options for affordable housing," as Senator Salomon was quoted on the mayor's website, to provide added context, State Representative Mia Gregerson (D-SeaTac) acknowledged the removal of 'unnecessary' barriers impeding co-living projects speaking to the anticipation of further housing solutions to be discussed in the forthcoming legislative session.

Complementing the new co-living housing legislation, Mayor Harrell unveiled two more proposals to the City Council’s Land Use Committee, focussing on revisions to Seattle's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) code and pursuing a sales tax exemption for projects transmuting nonresidential spaces into residential uses, these strategies are components of the mayor's comprehensive One Seattle Housing Agenda which aims to elevate housing availability, foster affordability, and streamline the development process Rico Quirindongo the Director of the Office of Planning and Community Development, vocalized support for these strategies, describing them as key levers in achieving a more vibrant Seattle, equipped for future growth.

David Neiman, Partner at Neiman Taber, expressed enthusiasm for the potential of co-living housing, characterizing it as environmentally friendly and community-oriented, allowing inhabitants to reside in otherwise costly locales, "Co-living is a form of housing that creates plentiful, inexpensive homes, uses a fraction of the energy of conventional housing, helps people connect to form community, and allows people to live in neighborhoods they’d otherwise be priced out of," Neiman's perspective was shared via the mayor's announcement. With accessible parks, amenities, and services on the horizon, Seattle embarks on a journey towards inclusivity and affordability in housing.