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About Seattle Social Housing

Seattle Social Housing (SSH) is a public development authority focused on addressing the city’s housing needs through the innovative social housing model. Created in 2023 with the passage of I-135, we intend to acquire and build high-quality housing that is publicly owned and permanently affordable, sustainable and inclusive for all Seattle residents.

As a public development authority, our charter gives us a public mission while operating separately from the Seattle City government. It means all buildings and units will be public goods, and not privately owned by developers or individuals.

Housing, apartment icon, black

We are accountable to the Seattle community and our board

As a public entity of Seattle funded by public dollars, we are accountable to you. We are governed by a 13-member board appointed by:

  • Seattle City Council

  • Seattle Mayor

  • Seattle Renters’ Commission

  • MLK Labor

  • Green New Deal Oversight Board

In addition to having nonprofit, finance, planning and other expertise, a majority are required to represent a range of incomes and be renters. As SSH moves into housing development, residents will play a role on the board.

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