Planning 2015-04-27 COMPLETE AGENDA PACKET

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Assessor's database, the City's Geographic Information System (GIS), Tukwila permit data and other sources' are used to update and compare the changes that have occurred relative to the City's goals since the Plan's update in December 2004. Additionally, in 2014 members of the Tukwila community described their housing desires and needs through Community Conversations, public meetings, and surveys. Information from these outreach activities is summarized in this report. 1I 1 I)ESCRIPTION OF KEY ISSUES I l 5 iii ui m . Condition Tukwila's housing stock is assessed by using various measures that determine its condition, including age, size, and overall maintenance. Data analysis allows for housing conditions to be updated and comparisons made over time. The intent is to see if policies and public investments need to be directed toward specific neighborhoods. Policies are proposed to help ensure the condition and quality of the housing stock is safe and livable. Most existing single - family homes in Tukwila were constructed before 1970 and the majority of multifamily homes were constructed during the 1960's, 1970's, and 1980's. The City's aging housing stock typically requires more money for maintenance, which can be difficult for residents who are already burdened by other economic stressors. Compared to King County, Tukwila has a greater percentage of family households occupied by five or more people, yet the City's housing stock is primarily composed of 1- and 2- bedroom units. Overcrowding conditions affect the wear and tear on a home, property, and neighborhood, and increase health and safety concerns for those living in the units. Condition is also linked to affordability. Naturally occurring affordable housing, housing with market prices that meet affordability metrics without policies or accompanying subsidies, is often tied to deteriorating and substandard housing conditions, smaller home size, and older housing stock. III lousiiiing Affardalbliilhly Housing expenditures in excess of 30 percent of household income is considered "excessive" and viewed as an indicator of a housing affordability problem. This definition of affordability was established under the United States National Housing Act of 1937.While Tukwila continues to have affordable units for those at 50 -80% of area median income (AMI), more and more households are struggling to meet their housing costs. Community poverty has tripled in Tukwila over the past ten years as evidenced in Census figures and Tukwila School District demographics, see Appendix A for more information. Almost half of City residents are burdened by housing costs, paying more than 30% of their income for housing. In particular, households who make 30% or less than the AMI face the greatest struggle to find affordable housing. Over the past 20 years Tukwila has supported the creation of new, quality affordable housing for renters and home owners through its partnership with Seattle Housing Action Group (SHAG) at Tukwila Village, by reducing the minimum lot size in the single family zone, allowing accessory dwelling units, and increasing allowed density for Data sources vary in their results. Census data and census tracts, USPS mailing addresses and city boundaries all produce slightly different results. Tukwila has completed one annexation since the original comprehensive plan was adopted in 1994. Data sources are noted and percentages are used rather than raw numbers when applicable to describe trends. 5