FIABCI-Seattle is holding an Affordable Housing Summit in November, featuring panel discussions that entail the topics of condo conversion, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), modular/prefab homes, and policy changes at the state and local levels. The purpose of this summit is to bring together organizations and public figures - including Washington State Legislators - that are actively working on the affordable housing issue in our region. We’re all working toward the same goal! There’s strength in numbers and collectively we’re going to be more likely to find solutions that will bring about meaningful and long-lasting change. We want this to truly be a “summit” of all these organizations, an event with the potential to be remembered as the tipping point for moving forward together with actionable solutions. We’re also honored to announce that Walid Moussa, the current World President of FIABCI, and Kellee Buhler, the President of the USA Chapter of FIABCI, will be in attendance and speaking at the summit. We would be equally as honored if you would attend as well.

Rapid and ongoing economic growth continues to attract people to the greater Seattle region. One outcome of this is ever increasing demand for housing. In recent years, our region hasn’t built enough housing – or repurposed enough existing housing – for the people who live here. This combination of demand and lack of supply is leading to an affordable housing crisis, with our region now considered one of the most expensive in the United State. Unless we address this issue in meaningful ways, more and more of our neighbors are going to be priced out of market over the coming years.

A lack of affordable housing is not unique to Seattle. It’s an issue currently being faced by numerous cities around the country and the world. FIABCI, the International Real Estate Federation, is a partner in the UN Habitat’s World Urban Campaign (WUC). The WUC is a multifaceted advocacy and partnership platform that strives to bring about positive urban change in numerous areas, including housing affordability solutions. FIABCI, which holds NGO special consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council, is committed to this important work.