Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has launched a new "housing production task force" after a promised plan to cut developer fees, one of her key election pledges, failed to materialise. Wilson campaigned on tackling affordability and housing supply, but new housing applications have continued to fall sharply, prompting criticism that her flagship policy area has produced no concrete action nearly a year into her term.

An executive order signed last month created the advisory task force, which has 12 months to draw up recommendations that would not be implemented until 2028-2029. It follows failed negotiations over Seattle's Mandatory Housing Affordability fees, which stalled after nonprofit developers objected to Wilson's proposed cuts. New housing unit applications fell 30% this year after a 38% drop in 2025, while roughly a third of Seattle households spend over 30% of income on housing. Critics, including radio host Charlie Harger, accused Wilson of delaying difficult decisions by referring the issue to a lengthy review process.