SFG's Position On the One Seattle Plan
The City should not trash neighborhood plans, but should instead encourage ideas to preserve unique neighborhoods, as required by state law. Preservation is important to affordability and to preserving the character of a place.
The current Comprehensive Plan does not include a credible anti-displacement plan. We cannot accommodate newcomers without equally planning to maintain those families who’ve invested their lives and futures in the Emerald City we cherish. The Mayor's too little too late approach to displacement is not enough. Pause approval of the Plan and zoning changes until a true anti- displacement plan is approved.
We support the recommendations of our neighbors in Central and South Seattle in their four key focus areas, Community, Opportunity, Resources, Exemptions (C.O.R.E.)
“Anti-displacement policies must work in unison with other city goals but remain distinct when necessary. For example, while affordable housing is a citywide objective, creating affordable units primarily for new residents is not anti-displacement—it does not preserve or stabilize legacy communities. Without a strong Anti-Displacement Strategy such as what is put forth, per Governor Inslee's mandate, the entire Comp Plan must be rejected. True anti-displacement policy must prioritize keeping legacy residents in their neighborhoods."
“Our recommendations are in four key focus areas, Community, Opportunity, Resources, Exemptions (C.O.R.E.). When executed together they will create a supportive policy environment for legacy communities to play an active role in shaping and advancing our city’s affordability and livability objectives. 1. Anti-displacement policies must remain distinct from general affordable housing goals 2. Priority focus on preserving existing legacy communities 3. Recognition of historic neighborhood boundaries 4. Community-specific implementation requirements.”
Talking Points
The current Comprehensive Plan does not include a credible anti-displacement plan. We cannot accommodate newcomers without equally planning to maintain those families who’ve invested their lives and futures in the Emerald City we cherish. The Mayor's too little too late approach to displacement is not enough. Pause approval of the Plan and zoning changes until a true anti- displacement plan is approved.
We support the recommendations of our neighbors in Central and South Seattle in their four key focus areas, Community, Opportunity, Resources, Exemptions (C.O.R.E.)
“Anti-displacement policies must work in unison with other city goals but remain distinct when necessary. For example, while affordable housing is a citywide objective, creating affordable units primarily for new residents is not anti-displacement—it does not preserve or stabilize legacy communities. Without a strong Anti-Displacement Strategy such as what is put forth, per Governor Inslee's mandate, the entire Comp Plan must be rejected. True anti-displacement policy must prioritize keeping legacy residents in their neighborhoods."
“Our recommendations are in four key focus areas, Community, Opportunity, Resources, Exemptions (C.O.R.E.). When executed together they will create a supportive policy environment for legacy communities to play an active role in shaping and advancing our city’s affordability and livability objectives. 1. Anti-displacement policies must remain distinct from general affordable housing goals 2. Priority focus on preserving existing legacy communities 3. Recognition of historic neighborhood boundaries 4. Community-specific implementation requirements.”
Talking Points
- The plan is overkill. Seattle has sufficient zoned capacity for the growth that’s coming. Who is this plan for—the developers? or current and future residents? New neighborhood centers should be more limited to avoid displacing legacy families.
- The Mayor’s current Comprehensive Plan does not include a credible anti-displacement plan. We cannot accommodate newcomers without equally planning to maintain those families who’ve invested their lives and futures in the Emerald City we cherish. The Mayor's too little too late approach to displacement is not enough. Pause approval of the Plan and zoning changes until a true anti-displacement plan is approved
- Density does not create affordability. Affordable units should be included in new apartment buildings of more than 20 units, especially those within walking distance of Light Rail and Bus Rapid Transit stops.
- Where is the required affordability for renters? The plan must include the definition of affordability that is in the Missing Middle Housing Act as well as the Mandatory Housing Affordability program—that is, households with incomes less than 60% of Area Median Income for renters. Without a definition, there’s no accountability.
- Where's the anti-displacement plan? Paying someone to move is the opposite of anti-displacement!
- Balance growth with Seattle’s tree canopy. Where are setasides for courtyard apartments and stacked flats that allow more green space? Where are incentives for saving mature trees?
- Outreach efforts in shaping the plan were too limited. Rather than displays of posters and maps, there should be public meetings in each District to better gauge majority public opinion about the plan and vision of future Seattle.
- Density should focus on future light rail station areas with affordability requirements.
- The City should not trash neighborhood plans, but should instead encourage ideas to preserve unique neighborhoods, as required by state law. Preservation is important to affordability and to maintaining the quality of life and character of a place.
- The current Comprehensive Plan does not include a credible anti-displacement plan. We cannot accommodate newcomers without equally planning to maintain those families who’ve invested their lives and futures in the Emerald City we cherish. The Mayor's too little too late approach to displacement is not enough. Pause approval of the Plan and zoning changes until a true anti- displacement plan is approved.
- We support the recommendations of our neighbors in Central and South Seattle in their four key focus areas, Community, Opportunity, Resources, Exemptions (C.O.R.E.)
- 2025 Comp Plan Council Comments.docx