I have no problem with section 8 people being able to rent living space where ever they choose but I feel that the section 8 authority should bear some degree of responsibility for the actions the tenants who use their vouchers.

Not mentioned: Ending the state ban on rent control.

Sure, vote for statewide source of income protections. But, include preemption so reasonable state legislation will override the flawed seattle source of income ordinance. Example, under Seattles ordinance, a tenant could show up with 3 months of housing subsidies and no other income source and the landlord is forced to accept the tenant. Even if the landlord customarily signs 12 month leases.

@2: Yep.

@4: not anymore, probably, but where were they 10 or 20 years ago? not under that bridge. so, at one point they paid rent and had income.

regardless, the question is: what now?

You know what I never hear out of the mouths of Republicans? "We simply can't cut taxes for corporations unless we have a super majority."

@2 You're assuming the cost of housing is directly linked to the cost of construction and it's not. The affordable housing crisis in Seattle is being driven by a massive increase in demand coupled with runaway real estate speculation by foreign investors. Developers are reaping massive profits as a result of inflated housing prices, asking them to build more affordable units will not drive them to bankruptcy.

Can we figure out a way to prioritize spending towards people who have a verifiable history in this state first, and newcomers second? I have volunteered for a few feeds and let me tell you, I have never heard so many southern accents. Not just the accents, but listening to a lot of them talk, they are not from hear. Plus, you don'y have to be some fucking genius to figure out these guys aren't really all that interested in being gainfully employed, full-time. Our money should not be going to these people unless we are offering them a way to leave.

Let's also not forget that the Homeless Industrial Complex is also a real thing. People who advocate for the homeless, professionally need the homeless to stay, homeless. Think Scott Morrow. The guy practically runs a homeless empire and profits from it, knows the city can do nothing because his organizations he pretends to not run, do indeed shelter a LOT of homeless. They know the city is somewhat hands tied and has to kick them down some money, which always seems to be not enough, although they actually do fuck all for anyone in the long-term and make it near impossible for anyone to stay at their shelters and actually get themselves up and going. Just one example of our money going to utter waste.

Look south to Oregon and California and you'll have your answer.