Housing Diversity Corporation

03/19/2026

Thank you, Mayor Katie B. Wilson, for visiting Atrium Court and recognizing the role public‑private partnerships play in delivering new mixed‑income and affordable homes in Othello. We’re honored to be part of this work.

01/31/2025

As housing prices in Toronto soar, residents are turning to garden suites in their backyards to create affordable living spaces. With home prices peaking at $920,000 in 2022, the demand for solutions like these highlights the urgency for high-density, affordable housing in urban areas. The trend reflects the strain of an 800,000-person influx into the region, underscoring the critical need for sustainable housing in high-traffic areas.

In Toronto, where housing prices are racing ahead of inventory, residents are building homes in their yards and moving their children or their parents into them.

01/29/2025

Washington state's recent shift in migration patterns highlights a growing trend that could benefit urban density and housing initiatives. While there has been a decline in people moving from other U.S. states, particularly California, the state has seen a significant increase in international migration, especially from countries outside of Canada. As more people from diverse backgrounds make Washington their home, the demand for housing in urban areas, including those close to high-traffic locations, may rise, potentially supporting the case for sustainable, high-density housing solutions to meet evolving needs.

Driver’s license data also shows that around 120,000 people left Washington in 2024, an 84% increase from just before the pandemic, writes columnist Gene Balk.

01/24/2025

In Los Angeles County, many college students are balancing the pursuit of higher education with the challenge of finding stable housing. This issue reflects a broader reality where people from different backgrounds and circumstances are facing housing insecurity. Providing safe, stable shelter, along with supportive services, helps students overcome these challenges and stay focused on their goals. Addressing these barriers is key to opening up more opportunities for success in life.

Supporters of four-year-old nonprofit Los Angeles Room and Board, which runs residences with wrap-around services and home-cooked meals, include John and Marilyn Wells, Algee Smith and Stevie Mackey.

01/22/2025

Seattle’s proposed "One Seattle Comprehensive Plan" aims to add zoning for 330,000 new homes by 2044, increasing density near transit and in single-family neighborhoods while creating 30 new midrise housing centers. The plan has sparked debate, with proponents emphasizing the need for density to address housing demand, while opponents cite concerns about infrastructure and environmental impacts. As public hearings approach, the city faces the challenge of balancing affordability and growth with neighborhood preservation.

The city's 20-year housing growth plan sparks sharp divisions on the City Council.

01/17/2025

In 2024, 40% of U.S. households earned between $53,000 and $161,000, and 14.4% earned over $200,000. That leaves approximately 45.6% of households earning $52,000 or less. With average rents in Seattle and LA above $2,500 and $2,700, respectively, households earning below $52,000 struggle to stay within the recommended 30% income threshold for housing. This creates a growing need for affordable housing solutions in high-demand urban areas.

Everyone thinks they’re middle class. We find out how much a household needs to earn to get there, and who's actually in it.

01/15/2025

Over the past decade, Washington has seen home prices grow by 129.1%, with Bellevue ranking sixth among top-growing midsize cities and Seattle’s median home price rising from $434,352 in 2014 to $848,982 in 2024—a 95.5% increase. High mortgage rates and inflation have further squeezed affordability for potential buyers. With these rising prices, housing density continues to emerge as a crucial strategy for high-demand cities to increase supply and improve accessibility.

In 2014, the median home price in Seattle was $434,352.

01/09/2025

In Seattle, 64% of households earn below the area median income, while in Los Angeles, 80% of renters spend more than half their income on housing. Housing is typically categorized into grades—affordable, workforce, and market-rate—designed to serve a spectrum of residents, including students, families, and professionals. Both cities show a growing need for balance among these grades to meet tenant needs. Studies indicate that cities with diverse housing types experience higher tenant retention and faster economic growth.

In this article we walk you through the different property classes and highlight the investment opportunities specific to each.

01/07/2025

Renters make up 35% of U.S. households and spend, on average, 30% or more of their income on housing, compared to 16% for homeowners. According to the Aspen Institute, 52% of renters lack wealth-building assets like retirement accounts or investments, while nearly 80% of homeowners have them. Renters are also more likely to carry student loan debt, contributing to their lower net worth. Rising rents leave many unable to save for homeownership, creating a need for more accessible rental options.

Two years ago, Elizabeth Grantham decided she didn’t want to rent much longer, so she moved from her hometown in the pricey San Francisco Bay Area to Washington state to save up to buy a home.

12/18/2024

As we move into 2025, the housing market shows signs of progress with rising inventory, driven by new construction and shifting homeowner trends. While challenges like affordability and high costs persist, the increased supply has the ability to provide necessary options for renters navigating tight markets, alongside opportunities for buyers.

Housing economists predict more of the same in the for-sale housing market next year. Here's what could change.

12/13/2024

Seattle’s population grew by 18,500 last year, reaching 797,700 in April 2024—a 2.4% increase, according to the Washington Office of Financial Management. Across the state, Washington added 84,500 residents, pushing the total population past 8 million for the first time. As cities like Seattle continue to grow, prioritizing affordable and efficient housing options will play a key role in meeting the needs of the rising population.

Data from the Washington Office of Financial Management shows significantly faster population growth in Seattle than the U.S. Census Bureau, FYI Guy writes.