King County Health through Housing program renamed to honor Frank Chopp

The King County Council renamed its Health through Housing initiative to honor Frank Chopp, a state legislator known for his three-decade advocacy for affordable housing. Chopp, who passed away in March, significantly contributed to funding affordable housing developments in the 43rd District. The initiative, passed in 2021, aims to house up to 1,600 people experiencing chronic homelessness and is financed through a sales tax on properties in Seattle and five surrounding cities. The program accelerates housing solutions by acquiring existing hotels and apartments, including the newly opened Sharyn Grayson House on Capitol Hill. Funded by a 0.

1% sales tax increase and $6 million redirected from King County Jail funding, the initiative purchased the nearly completed Capitol Hill building for $11. 6 million in 2023. The program's focus on existing structures aims to provide quicker housing solutions. Several additional construction and repurposing efforts are also in progress. This initiative underscores the importance of addressing homelessness through innovative funding and housing strategies.