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.
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From the roots up: The Larned, Byron Wetmore, and a new era of affordable housing finance
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
Read MorePDA Board & Committees – 2026 Meeting Change Notices
The PDA Board and Committee meetings will continue to occur electronically for the foreseeable future, and we will post the Zoom meeting information on our website under the News & Stories section here. Below is the meeting information for our upcoming meetings. Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Individual Board Committee Meeting Dates for
Read MoreCutting the ribbon on a true transit-oriented development, Copperleaf Northgate
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
Read MoreWhy is preserving existing affordable housing important?
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
Read MoreFrom the roots up: A look back at the Bremer Apartments
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
Read MoreWhat is a public development authority (PDA)?
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
Read MoreFrom the roots up: 50 years since Stevens Neighborhood Improvement Program
Building a more affordable Seattle since 1976 This year, Community Roots Housing celebrates 50 years. What began as a small grassroots program supporting neighbors and offering them free tools to repair their homes has grown — half a century later — into a commitment to confront inequity by creating affordable housing. Community Roots now serves
Read MoreFive highlights from 2025
2025 was a transformative year for Community Roots Housing. From the appointment of Colleen Echohawk as the new CEO, to breaking ground on developments, to preserving historic housing, and keeping residents housed through emergency rental assistance, here are five highlights that defined the year. 1) Breaking ground on Constellation Center and Constellation Apartments In
Read MoreBuilt together: Canopy Apartments and White Center HUB grand opening
With a snip of giant scissors, Canopy Apartments and the White Center HUB officially celebrated their grand opening on January 24, 2026. Led by Community Roots, the White Center Community Development Association (WCCDA), and Southwest Youth & Family Services, this affordable housing and community center is the result of over a decade of work in
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