From time to time, we take a moment to pause and recognize the incredible and inspiring work being done in our sector by the countless talented individuals who make it all possible.
At our 18th Annual Celebration of Affordable Housing last month, we had the opportunity to present two awards for outstanding accomplishment towards our collective mission: the Frank Chopp Public Sector Champion Award and the Carla Okigwe Award.
Frank Chopp Public Sector Champion Award
Named in honor of Frank Chopp, and reflecting his vision, leadership, and lifelong dedication to affordable housing; this award recognizes public sector leaders who are bold, collaborative, and unwavering in their commitment.
This year, we are proud to present this honor to Senator Emily Alvarado and Representative Nicole Macri.
Senator Alvarado has built her career advancing housing policy—from her early work with HDC, to leading Seattle’s Office of Housing, to her service in the Legislature. She has secured historic Housing Trust Fund investments, removed barriers to affordable housing, and in 2026, led the Commercial Corridors bill, opening new pathways for developers in mixed-use areas.
Representative Macri carries forward bold housing leadership in the 43rd District. She champions investments for deeply affordable homes and permanent supportive housing, and in 2025, helped plan for contingencies to protect residents amid potential federal funding cuts.
Together, they model the persistent, collaborative public leadership our region needs to make housing affordable and accessible for all.
Carla Okigwe Award
In honor of the vision and leadership of HDC founding Executive Director, Carla Okigwe; this special award recognizes recipients for their legacy of exemplary contributions to the affordable housing movement and a clear commitment to bettering the lives of those struggling and the communities in which they live.
This year, we are thrilled to present this honor to Faith Pettis.
A founding partner of Pacifica Law Group, Faith practices in the areas of public finance and municipal law. Her clients include state agencies, housing authorities, local school districts, cities and counties. She is bond and general counsel to the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and worked hard to shape – and now protect – the first-in-the-nation Covenant Homeownership Program.
In 2014, the Mayor of Seattle appointed Faith to co-chair the City’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA) task force, which was charged with delivering a ten-year plan to address housing affordability. She previously served two terms as chair of the statewide Affordable Housing Advisory Board and in 2024, Faith was appointed by the Governor to a second six-year term on the Board of Trustees of Western Washington University, currently serving as Chair of the Board.
Faith has worked tirelessly to represent the interests of the affordable housing sector and to bring unlikely partners together around common goals. We’re grateful for her legacy of leadership and the partnerships yet to come.
To our awardees: thank you. Your tireless effort and dedication to our collective cause makes possible our shared work and moves us closer to our vision of a future where everyone in King County and live with dignity in safe, healthy, and affordable homes.