A City for Everyone Promoting Housing Equity and Diversity Through Seattle’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan Major Update

Abstract

Like many U.S. cities, Seattle’s built environment has been shaped by both public policy and market forces which have created a racially and economically segregated city. Up to 70 percent of land zoned for residential use is set aside for detached single-family structures. This has artificially limited the housing supply which has exacerbated the increasing demand for housing and has driven up the cost of living. Those most affected and facing displacement by these issues include long-term residents, low-income communities, and communities of color. The harms of overly restrictive zoning can be categorized using six main issues: 1) affects affordability, 2) racial and economic inequalities, 3) environmental impacts, 4) economic impacts, 5) limits housing choices and diversity, and 6) contributes to homelessness. Yet, exclusionary zoning laws and practices like minimum lot size requirements, parking minimums, and restrictions on density continue to exist. Thus, restructuring zoning policies is both a racial justice and a climate justice issue. By examining Seattle, this thesis aims to provide an examination of increasing housing density and diversity as a means to increase housing accessibility and affordability. This thesis will examine the current state of Seattle’s housing crisis, dive into Seattle’s land-use history, outline current proposed solutions, review case studies, and explore what densifying Seattle could look like with a series of recommendations for the city of Seattle to consider.