Rep. DelBene Highlights Housing Crisis and Sponsors Expansion of Housing Credits (LIHTC)

aaronl67
Apr 30
2 min read

Affordable Housing Roundtable Event at

August Wilson Place!

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, local housing stakeholders, City of Bellevue Officials, housing advocates, employers, and residents at August Wilson Place.

On April 24th Rep. Suzan DelBene hosted a housing roundtable event at LIHI’s August Wilson Place, a 57-unit affordable housing community located in downtown Bellevue where units are set-aside for veterans. The purpose of the event was to highlight the nationwide shortage of affordable housing. August Wilson Place was made possible through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC/Housing Credit) program, which is the most effective tool for creating affordable housing across the country. Other participants in the roundtable included local housing stakeholders, Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson, LIHI Board President Melinda Nichols, property operators, housing advocates, employers, and residents.

“Your attendance today demonstrates a sterling and exemplary commitment to our US Military Veterans, retired government services employees, and senior citizens who, in their youth, chose a career path to establish or maintain the sacred traditions of honorable service to others,” said A. Fitzgerald, a U.S. Navy veteran and resident of August Wilson Place. “Thanks to your outstanding leadership, dedication, and direct actions, the residents of August Wilson Place live in safety and security. We salute you and offer our highest recommendations”.

Washington is experiencing one of the worst affordable housing shortages in the nation, with more than 250,000 households spending over half of their income on rent. Since its inception, the LIHTC program has played a crucial role in financing the construction and preservation of over 4 million affordable homes across the country. Approximately 8 million households have benefited from this credit.

Earlier this month, Representative DelBene introduced bipartisan legislation, supported by over 100 members of the House, aimed at building or restoring 1.6 million additional affordable homes nationwide. This initiative includes plans for 53,000 units in Washington, made possible by expanding the Housing Credit.

“Access to a safe, affordable home is foundational to a family’s well-being, yet far too many families in Washington are being priced out of their communities,” said DelBene. “This development underscores the impact the Housing Credit can have and why it’s a proven solution to help address the affordable housing crisis. This crisis won’t be solved overnight, but with the right tools and smart federal investment, we can make a real difference. Expanding the Housing Credit is one of the most effective ways we can deliver the affordable housing our state desperately needs.”

“LIHTC is the single most important source of financing for creating and preserving affordable housing in Bellevue,” said Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson. “Expanding LIHTC through the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act will help us to create more housing opportunities for families, seniors, low-wage workers, and people seeking stable housing.”

Press on the roundtable event:

77 Comments

Aivon

Aug 15

As someone concerned with housing equity, this article gives me hope for addressing the housing crisis. LIHTC, a key affordable housing financing tool, expanding means more affordable units can be built—critical for easing soaring rents and reducing homelessness.

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Aivon

Aug 15

Housing issues affect countless families’ basic lives—expanding such policy support can truly ease housing pressures for low-income groups. Looking forward to seeing more tangible results.