The Seattle City Council voted 7 to 2 to repeal the recently enacted per-worker tax on large employers aimed at raising money for homeless services and affordable housing.
The tax, which the council passed unanimously, was crafted as an answer to the city’s housing affordability problem that many attribute to rapid growth in the technology industry by the likes of Amazon.com Inc. The council’s reversal comes after a spirited effort to gather signatures to put a repeal question on the November ballot.
The council’s original measure called for a $275 per employee tax. The region reportedly has a homeless population of more than 12,000 people.
Amazon, the city’s top private employer, halted its expansion plans in the city pending the outcome of the vote. Some homeowners were reportedly frustrated by the city’s response to homelessness, which included tents and RVs moving into residential neighborhoods.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 11, 2017
Data, transparency are keys to next steps in green building, says USGBC chief
Monitoring and comparing performance are critical to advancing sustainability goals.
Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2017
New guidelines for quality control on application of membrane roof systems released
NRCA document provides guidance for on-site evaluation.
Codes and Standards | Oct 9, 2017
New app calculates maximum allowable heights for building occupancy types, classes of construction
The app streamlines compliance on various types of construction.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2017
California lawmakers pass bill that requires GCs to pay wages of sub employees if subs fail to pay
The measure will go into effect in January if the governor signs it.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2017
Ambitious but realistic increase in clean energy would cut GHG emissions by 80% in the U.S.
NRDC report says goal can be achieved with existing tools.
Codes and Standards | Oct 3, 2017
Reducing duct leakage is focus on latest green building standards updates
ASHRAE 189.1 broadens testing requirements to include more types of ducts.
Codes and Standards | Oct 2, 2017
Nationwide retrofit strategy in Canada could cut 51% of emissions from large buildings
The roadmap provides government and industry with a targeted plan.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2017
Resources available for new OSHA respirable crystalline silica regulation
NRCA offers compliance tools for contractors.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2017
New tool compares HVAC system efficiency
IAPMO and Hydronics Industry Alliance unveil BEST to evaluate systems in early design phase.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2017
Anti-drone technology can ward off unauthorized drone flights
The technology can be used to prevent terrorist attacks and spying.
