Seattle Social Housing Developer Selects Roberto Jimenez as First CEO

 Seattle, WA – July 17, 2024 – The Seattle Social Housing Developer (SSHD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Roberto Jimenez as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer. With an impressive background in affordable housing and community development, Jimenez brings a wealth of experience and visionary leadership to SSHD at a pivotal time in the organization's growth. “We are really excited to welcome Roberto Jimenez as our CEO,” said Kaileah Baldwin, Chair of the SSHD Board. “Roberto’s expertise in affordable housing leadership, building connections, and organizational visioning are exactly what we need to advance this new model of social housing. Roberto has what it’ll take to get SSHD to the point where it can meaningfully address the needs of our working communities who struggle to afford Seattle’s exorbitant rents. We’re so excited to work alongside him as he leads SSHD in bridging this critical housing gap and ensuring that more Seattleites can access affordable, quality, community-centric housing." 

Roberto Jimenez’s journey from Clackamas County, Oregon, to leading SSHD is marked by a deep commitment to affordable housing and community empowerment. The son of a former farmworker, Jimenez has experienced housing insecurity firsthand. 

Jimenez began his higher education at Portland Community College, eventually transferring to the University of Oregon to study comparative literature. His interdisciplinary education provided him with a unique analytical perspective, which he applied to urban planning and community development. He later continued his higher education at Harvard Kennedy School in the Achieving Excellence in Community Development program. 

In 1998, Jimenez conducted groundbreaking research on Latino microenterprise for the City of Hillsboro, Oregon. His career in affordable housing development took off in 2004 when he became Executive Director of the Farmworker Housing Development Corporation (FHDC). Under his leadership, FHDC overcame financial instability, addressed social challenges, and significantly improved housing conditions for farmworkers. He completed $56.5 million in new construction and $19.5 million in rehabilitation projects, even during the Great Recession. 

Jimenez’s visionary leadership extended to his tenure at Mutual Housing California (MHC), where he doubled the organization's housing portfolio and maintained a housing development pipeline with $500 million in active real estate development while successfully engaging residents in board governance. As Chair of the Board of Housing California, he helped lead statewide housing policy and advocacy efforts. 

"I am thrilled to have this incredible opportunity to lead the Seattle Social Housing Developer and to work with a Board of Directors that is reflective of the communities we will build," said Roberto Jimenez. "SSHD is uniquely positioned to address the need for true affordability across the income spectrum by constructing and acquiring housing that is permanently affordable, publicly owned, and available to all who need it. This innovative approach enables mixed-income public housing to be financially solvent. Seattle is leading the way.” 

Roberto Jimenez's appointment as CEO marks a new chapter for SSHD. Known for his bold innovation and collaborative spirit, Jimenez is expected to bring fresh perspectives to Seattle's housing challenges.