Amazon and Sound Transit commit $100m to affordable housing in Seattle area

Amazon and Sound Transit have formed a partnership to accelerate the creation of up to 1,200 new affordable housing units on Sound Transit surplus properties near light-rail stations across the Puget Sound region. Amazon is committing $100 million in below-market funding to developers to help create and expedite the development of Sound Transit property offered for affordable housing.

The first $25 million will fund pre-development activities such as site due diligence, engineering and permitting, while the remaining $75 million will support the construction of new affordable housing, which is expected to begin within five years. The partnership will help ensure that moderate- to low-income families can afford to live in great neighborhoods with easy access to employment, schools, healthcare, education and other amenities.

Sound Transit is growing its light-rail service as part of its voter-approved expansions. In addition, it has committed to promoting inclusive uses