Crowdfunding for Affordable Housing

A new experiment in funding affordable housing is underway in Seattle.

1 minute read

June 25, 2019, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Construction Worker

Talbot Troy / Flickr

Seattle-based Bellwether Housing has launched the "Building Opportunity Fund" described as the nation's first crowdsourced affordable housing fund, according to Natalie Bicknell.

"From now until September of 2019, Bellwether hopes to crowdfund $4.5 million dollars of investments to support the construction of 750 units of affordable housing in Seattle and Tukwila," according to Bicknell.

The article explains the genesis of the Building Opportunity Fund, details what investors should expect in terms of risk and return on investment, and also describes the projects planned for the initial crowdfunded developments. Notably, Amazon has promised to match investments by employees into the fund dollar for dollar.

If successful, Bellwether sees opportunities to expand the reach of the Building Opportunity Fund.

Thursday, June 20, 2019 in The Urbanist

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

People sitting and walking in plaza in front of historic Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners

How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

March 28, 2025 - Emily McCoy

SEPTA Station

Philadelphia Could Lose Free Transit Program

The city’s upcoming budget doesn’t include the Zero Fare program, which offers free SEPTA fare to more than 24,000 residents.

30 minutes ago - Streetsblog USA

Blurred cars driving down road with European road signs visible.

Inferior US Vehicle Standard Threaten European Safety

EU vehicles are much safer than U.S. vehicles due to better standards. The U.S. wants its standard to be considered ‘equivalent’ for import purposes. A European Transport Safety Council report examines the conflict.

1 hour ago - Briefing on Risks to the EU Vehicle Market and Road Safety of Recognising US-market Vehicles as ‘Equivalent’

Two people on bikes riding down paved Burke-Gilman bike trail in King County, Washington on a sunny day.

Washington State Plans Ambitious ‘Cycle Highway’ Network

The state is directing funding to close gaps in its existing bike network and make long-distance trips more accessible.

April 8 - Momentum Magazine