The wave of condo conversions in the Seattle area is hitting seniors especially hard.
"In the past few years, condo conversions have sent thousands of Puget Sound renters in search of affordable housing. It's not easy for the young and able-bodied, with a regional vacancy rate at 4.3 percent. For senior citizens, the search is that much harder."
"Frail health often narrows their options to communities where medical services and support are close by. And fixed incomes often limit their ability to put down a deposit, or pay for the move."
"If they live in Seattle, seniors may be eligible for up to $500 in relocation assistance. But Seattle is believed to be the only city in Washington that requires developers to provide that assistance to low-income renters."
"It's easy to see condo conversions as a Seattle issue; about 5,400 rental units have either gone, or are going, condo since 2004."
FULL STORY: Seniors shoved aside by condo conversions

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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