Part 5/12:
Housing affordability is another critical issue. The supply of housing has been intentionally constricted through restrictive building laws and zoning policies, driving up construction costs and limiting new affordable options. As a result, Seattle's rent prices are approximately 30% above the national average, and permits for new apartment complexes have plummeted by around 66% in just the first half of 2025. These factors, combined with high construction and land costs, make it financially unviable for many developers to build, creating a continual upward pressure on housing prices.