The MFTE is awful policy that should be repealed and replaced with
inclusionary zoning that REQUIRES the inclusion of affordably priced
units in all projects of 5 or more units. The developers protest
that they couldn't afford to build affordable housing without tax
breaks, but no one seems willing or able to explain why they are
doing so in so many other cities that require affordable units. Why
are we giving more tax money away to developers to do something that
would happen anyway at a time when the City is cutting other items
because of a budget shortfall?

>From: "Nick Licata" <Nick.Licata@...>
>Subject: Message from Nick Licata about City housing program
>To: jon.morgan.1999@...
>Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:49:46 -0700
>
>I am writing because you have written me in the past about a civic
>issue important to you. While this issue may not fall within those
>you are passionate about, it is one I believe central to the health
>of our community, and thus, am hopeful you will give it your
>attention. Should you wish not to be contacted by me on issues
>outside of those you have written me about, please reply with that
>request and I won't contact you outside of your issue areas.
>
>The Mayor has recently proposed changes to an important affordable
>housing program that would greatly undermine its effectiveness. This
>program, the Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) has helped produce
>763 units of long-term, low-income housing since 2004. Under the new
>proposal, this program will 1) subsidize private developers to build
>units at essentially market rents, 2) expand the program to build
>units in neighborhoods that have already met growth targets and 3)
>raise rents and taxes for the rest of us to pay for it.
>
>Last week the Council's Housing and Economic Development Committee
>voted to approve these changes. I cast the lone vote against the
>MFTE legislation, Council Bill 116245, after first trying to amend
>the bill. The Full Council will vote on Monday, June 30th at 2PM. I
>will try and amend the bill again so that it can only be used in
>neighborhoods that have not already witnessed dramatic growth.
>
>I have attached a point-counter point published in today's Daily
>Journal of Commerce that I think fairly captures the two
>perspectives on the proposed changes to the program (I have included
>it as a Word document as well as a Adobe PDF document). Should you
>wish to let Councilmembers know your thoughts about this bill you
>may speak at the public hearing at the start of Monday's meeting, or
>you may contact them, their emails are listed below.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata
>
>
>COUNCIL MEMBERS & MAYOR'S EMAIL ADDRESSES
>
>Tim.Burgess@...
>Sally.Clark@...
>Richard.Conlin@...
>Jan.Drago@...
>Jean.Godden@...
>Bruce.Harrell@...
>Nick.Licata@...
>Richard.McIver@...
>Tom.Rasmussen@...
>
>Citizens are directed to the following website to complete a form to
>send an email to the Mayor's Office.
>http://www.cityofseattle.net/mayor/citizen_response.htm
>
>


--
Jon Morgan
Seattle, WA
AIM/Skype: JonSM99

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