Advocacy

HDC’s goal is to increase the production of affordable housing in King County through favorable public policy, increased resources, greater sector efficiencies and broad alliances committed to social equity within sustainable communities. We advocate at the local, state and federal levels to meet this goal.

Each year, we engage our membership in an agenda setting process, which gives our members the opportunity to propose advocacy issues and determine our advocacy priorities. View our HDC 2012 Advocacy Agenda to learn more about our current priorities.

In King County:

At the local level, we work with city and county councils, planning departments, and other stakeholders to implement our advocacy agenda. We provide policy analysis on local land-use issues, track regulatory changes, testify at hearings, and lead local initiatives and campaigns that improve policies and secure resources for affordable housing production.

In Washington State:

We work in partnership with the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance to promote legislation that will support the development, operation and preservation of affordable housing in all of Washington state.  We mobilize HDC members and affordable housing advocates throughout King County to work with state legislators to ensure that everyone has a safe, affordable home. At times we work independently or in coalition to support King County-specific state legislation that favors affordable housing.

In the Nation:

We monitor federal housing legislation and support adequate funding for HUD and other housing-related programs. At times we advocate directly on federal issues with our state’s elected national representatives and key staff.  Along with the National Low Income Housing Coalition we support permanent funding for the National Housing Trust Fund and other efforts. As part of the Pacific Coast Affordable Housing Network, we meet with affordable housing associations from many parts of the West Coast to share best practices and develop collective solutions to affordable housing challenges.