Whether you’re new to the Seattle area or have lived here for years, you likely know all too well the current burden of ever-increasing housing costs. Last year, our Local was active in fighting for legislation to help lower the strain of moving costs for tenants in Seattle — now, landlords must accept payment plans for upfront moving costs, including security deposit, last month’s rent, and non-refundable fees. However, the burden of housing costs throughout the region continues to be an urgent issue.
Earlier this month, the UW announced a plan to create 150 affordable housing units in the U-District for University employees who earn less than 60% of Seattle’s median income. The project is slated to be complete in 2021, and rent for a one-bedroom apartment would be capped at $1,080 in today’s dollars.
We’re encouraged that the University is recognizing the seriousness of the housing crisis, but this plan does not do nearly enough.
This year, our union is ramping up efforts on housing, especially as we move forward in bargaining our new contract. In the coming weeks, we’ll be kickstarting our campaign with a housing survey developed by members to assess the impact housing costs have on us, and to collect stories about members’ personal experiences. We encourage you to take that survey and join the campaign for a more livable city!
For more information about our Local’s Housing Justice Working Group or to get involved, please check out our webpage.
In Solidarity,
Theresa Aliwarga
Douglas Avella-Castro
Andrea Canini
Anthony Castanza
Ying-Yu Chen
Monica Cortes Viharo
Kristen Garofali
Arshiya Hoseyni Chime
Katya Kolesova
Dylan Mayer
Elizabeth Mills
Chelsea Pagan
David Parsons
Michelle Pham
Shua Sanchez
Viral Shah
Sam Sumpter
Arash Tarkhan
Judy Twedt