In a recent Seattle City Council meeting, public comments highlighted growing concerns over the proposed alternative to Initiative 137 (I 137), which aims to establish a framework for mixed-income social housing. Critics argue that the council's alternative undermines the original intent of I 137, which was overwhelmingly supported by voters to address the city's housing crisis.

Jeff Paul, a special education paraprofessional, emphasized that the ongoing housing crisis is directly linked to the mass closures of Seattle Public Schools, as families are leaving the city due to unaffordable living conditions. He asserted that social housing is essential for creating an affordable environment for families and workers, and criticized the council for obstructing these efforts.

Tom Barnard, a member of the Seattle Social Housing Board, echoed these sentiments, accusing the council of attempting to dilute the funding and effectiveness of social housing initiatives. He warned that the proposed changes would favor wealthy investors over the needs of low-income renters, further exacerbating the housing crisis.

Kat Munson, representing Real Change, a street newspaper advocating for the homeless, urged the council to respect the will of the voters and fully implement I 137. She argued that the council's alternative would defund critical affordable housing projects and undermine the progress made in addressing homelessness.

Other speakers, including John Grant from the Low Income Housing Institute, expressed alarm that the council's proposal would redirect funds away from the most vulnerable populations, potentially eliminating housing units for hundreds of homeless individuals. Grant called for the council to prioritize existing funding sources to stabilize the affordable housing sector, which is still recovering from pandemic-related losses.

The meeting underscored a palpable tension between the council's proposed alternative and the community's demand for robust social housing solutions. Many speakers warned that failure to act decisively could have lasting political repercussions for council members, as public sentiment increasingly favors bold action to combat the housing crisis.