Author: Johanne Kurfurst

The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program is the primary policy and financial tool for building affordable housing for people with low incomes in the United States. Instead of the federal government paying the full cost of construction directly, it creates tax credits for affordable housing developers that they can then use to attract investors.

For 50 years, Community Roots Housing has worked to create and preserve affordable homes across Seattle and White Center. What began as a neighborhood response to redlining and disinvestment has grown into a long-term commitment to housing stability, community resilience, and equitable development. Throughout the decades, the organization continues to use every available tool to

On April 21, 2026, Copperleaf Northgate held its grand opening, delivering 232 affordable apartments steps from one of the nation’s largest and newly expanded transit systems — now connecting residents not only to Seattle but also to the Eastside. Jointly developed and owned by BRIDGE Housing and Community Roots Housing, the seven-story Copperleaf community is

Preservation is important because it prevents the loss of affordable housing stock over time, which is essential to addressing the housing crisis. What is the preservation of affordable housing? Affordable housing preservation means managing buildings to ensure they remain safe and affordable for the people who call them home. There are two ways affordable housing

Fifty years ago, Community Roots Housing began with a simple idea — to help our neighbors stay rooted in their homes. What began in 1976 as the Stevens Neighborhood Improvement Program (SNIP) has grown into a commitment to confront inequity by creating affordable housing. As part of our anniversary, we are revisiting and sharing some

In Washington, public development authorities are unique, independent organizations legally separate from local governments. They are not private, for-profit companies; however, they are equipped to carry out public objectives with a degree of freedom akin to private corporations or nonprofits. A public development authority is a “public corporation” created to address a community’s needs. The

We have all been hit with an unplanned bill or put in an unexpected financial situation at what seems like the worst possible time. When the impact is great enough — especially for those living on low incomes — it can cause someone to miss their next rent payment, or worse: it can kickstart a

We are excited to announce the appointment of Colleen Echohawk as the new Chief Executive Officer of Community Roots Housing! Colleen will start her new role on October 6, in anticipation of the retirement of longtime CEO Chris Persons at the end of October. Colleen Echohawk brings over 20 years of experience as an executive