Lauren E. McGowan
@laurenmcgowan.bsky.social
I fight for justice & equity by removing barriers to #housing, #food, #education & #income. ED @LISC_HQ Puget Sound. ❤️ @Michaeledkelly, travel & theater.
Last week I had the chance to travel to Hong Kong with the Urban Land Institute Health Leaders Network.
It pushed my thinking on what thriving really means. We cannot keep choosing between quality and quantity in our housing work. We have to build both.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/space-...
It pushed my thinking on what thriving really means. We cannot keep choosing between quality and quantity in our housing work. We have to build both.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/space-...
The Space Between Survival and Thriving: What Hong Kong Taught Me About Building Communities That Actually Work
I went to Hong Kong with the ULI Health Leaders Network expecting to learn about density. I thought I would see a city built upward instead of outward, a place where necessity forced coordination, and...
www.linkedin.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Last week I had the chance to travel to Hong Kong with the Urban Land Institute Health Leaders Network.
It pushed my thinking on what thriving really means. We cannot keep choosing between quality and quantity in our housing work. We have to build both.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/space-...
It pushed my thinking on what thriving really means. We cannot keep choosing between quality and quantity in our housing work. We have to build both.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/space-...
The federal government is about to make the homelessness crisis explode. New HUD rules will strip funding from permanent housing and could push 170,000 people back into homelessness.
We know housing works. We know what solves homelessness.
#HousingFirst #EndHomelessness
www.npr.org/2025/11/14/n...
We know housing works. We know what solves homelessness.
#HousingFirst #EndHomelessness
www.npr.org/2025/11/14/n...
The Trump administration plans major shift away from long-term housing for homelessness
The overhaul shifts funds to transitional housing requiring work and addiction treatment. The administration says it promotes "self-sufficiency," but critics warn many will risk losing housing again.
www.npr.org
November 16, 2025 at 5:17 AM
The federal government is about to make the homelessness crisis explode. New HUD rules will strip funding from permanent housing and could push 170,000 people back into homelessness.
We know housing works. We know what solves homelessness.
#HousingFirst #EndHomelessness
www.npr.org/2025/11/14/n...
We know housing works. We know what solves homelessness.
#HousingFirst #EndHomelessness
www.npr.org/2025/11/14/n...
Reposted by Lauren E. McGowan
This is far worse than anyone expected.
Trump's HUD plan would cut *two-thirds* of permanent housing and push as many as 170,000 formerly homeless people back onto the street—redirecting funds to work mandates, forced treatment, and encampment sweeps.
All as mass internment camps are being built.
Trump's HUD plan would cut *two-thirds* of permanent housing and push as many as 170,000 formerly homeless people back onto the street—redirecting funds to work mandates, forced treatment, and encampment sweeps.
All as mass internment camps are being built.
Trump Administration to Drastically Cut Housing Grants
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:21 AM
This is far worse than anyone expected.
Trump's HUD plan would cut *two-thirds* of permanent housing and push as many as 170,000 formerly homeless people back onto the street—redirecting funds to work mandates, forced treatment, and encampment sweeps.
All as mass internment camps are being built.
Trump's HUD plan would cut *two-thirds* of permanent housing and push as many as 170,000 formerly homeless people back onto the street—redirecting funds to work mandates, forced treatment, and encampment sweeps.
All as mass internment camps are being built.
Blown away by the density of housing in Hong Kong. Grateful to be spending a week in this incredible country learning about what is and isn’t working to address housing, climate, and social challenges. #hongkong #socialhousing #placemaking
November 13, 2025 at 5:41 AM
Blown away by the density of housing in Hong Kong. Grateful to be spending a week in this incredible country learning about what is and isn’t working to address housing, climate, and social challenges. #hongkong #socialhousing #placemaking
This is such an incredible moment for #seattle to reimagine what’s possible and address our housing challenges with proven solutions that meet the scale of the need. Let’s go @wilsonforseattle.bsky.social!
We've seen enough. Katie Wilson is the next Mayor of Seattle.
🚨🚨 Just in: Katie Wilson has expanded her lead in the Seattle mayor race. She is now leading by 1,976 votes, which means that the race is no longer in automatic recount territory.
November 13, 2025 at 2:10 AM
This is such an incredible moment for #seattle to reimagine what’s possible and address our housing challenges with proven solutions that meet the scale of the need. Let’s go @wilsonforseattle.bsky.social!
Reposted by Lauren E. McGowan
Katie Wilson has been elected Seattle's next mayor
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Katie Wilson elected Seattle’s next mayor
Wilson took a 1,976-vote lead over Bruce Harrell. With a maximum of 1,320 ballots remaining, it is mathematically impossible for Harrell to catch up.
www.seattletimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Katie Wilson has been elected Seattle's next mayor
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Reposted by Lauren E. McGowan
"[Wilson] supported a capital gains tax to raise revenue, a move opposed by Harrell, stronger protections for renters and improving public transit.
"Fincher said that message resonated in a city where housing has become out-of-reach for many of its citizens."
"Fincher said that message resonated in a city where housing has become out-of-reach for many of its citizens."
Progressive on the edge of a win in Seattle mayor race
Katie Wilson pulled ahead of a moderate Democrat in a campaign that focused on the cost of living in one of America’s most-expensive cities.
www.politico.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:44 AM
"[Wilson] supported a capital gains tax to raise revenue, a move opposed by Harrell, stronger protections for renters and improving public transit.
"Fincher said that message resonated in a city where housing has become out-of-reach for many of its citizens."
"Fincher said that message resonated in a city where housing has become out-of-reach for many of its citizens."
Reposted by Lauren E. McGowan
This is on the HUD website
September 30, 2025 at 5:37 PM
This is on the HUD website
Reposted by Lauren E. McGowan
Additional remarks from Andrew Reicher:
"Co-ops aren't a development activity. It is a people development activity. It builds community, and people can benefit."
"Co-ops aren't a development activity. It is a people development activity. It builds community, and people can benefit."
September 16, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Additional remarks from Andrew Reicher:
"Co-ops aren't a development activity. It is a people development activity. It builds community, and people can benefit."
"Co-ops aren't a development activity. It is a people development activity. It builds community, and people can benefit."
Reposted by Lauren E. McGowan
Governor Ferguson announced WA state will prevent Planned Parenthood from being defunded in WA by covering any financial gap caused by the withdrawal of federal funds due to the recent bill passed by Congress.
Good first step; now what are we going to do about the Medicaid cuts more broadly?
Good first step; now what are we going to do about the Medicaid cuts more broadly?
July 9, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Governor Ferguson announced WA state will prevent Planned Parenthood from being defunded in WA by covering any financial gap caused by the withdrawal of federal funds due to the recent bill passed by Congress.
Good first step; now what are we going to do about the Medicaid cuts more broadly?
Good first step; now what are we going to do about the Medicaid cuts more broadly?
Reposted by Lauren E. McGowan
This parking appeal hearing is at 10a tomorrow—in case you need something to root against besides the federal budget bill and the Astros.
Plymouth Housing’s permanent supportive housing project in downtown Redmond is facing an appeal—claiming not enough parking. A public hearing is set for July 2. Affordable housing voices are needed in the convo—not just “Safe Eastside.” Info: www.redmond.gov/2235/2025-He...
2025 Hearing Examiner Schedule & Information | Redmond, WAArrow LeftArrow RightSlideshow Left ArrowSlideshow Right Arrow
www.redmond.gov
July 2, 2025 at 6:08 AM
This parking appeal hearing is at 10a tomorrow—in case you need something to root against besides the federal budget bill and the Astros.
#Everett is nearing a final vote on its comp plan update, which will shape housing, land use, and growth for decades.
The latest draft removes inclusionary zoning — a tool that could help address affordability and prevent displacement.
www.heraldnet.com/news/everett... #UrbanPlanning #housing
The latest draft removes inclusionary zoning — a tool that could help address affordability and prevent displacement.
www.heraldnet.com/news/everett... #UrbanPlanning #housing
Everett council set to vote on final comp plan | HeraldNet.com
The council is expected to vote on whether to approve a massive update to its land use and development standards on June 18.
www.heraldnet.com
June 7, 2025 at 7:28 PM
#Everett is nearing a final vote on its comp plan update, which will shape housing, land use, and growth for decades.
The latest draft removes inclusionary zoning — a tool that could help address affordability and prevent displacement.
www.heraldnet.com/news/everett... #UrbanPlanning #housing
The latest draft removes inclusionary zoning — a tool that could help address affordability and prevent displacement.
www.heraldnet.com/news/everett... #UrbanPlanning #housing
Reposted by Lauren E. McGowan
This is so incredibly infuriating! Why are we talking about anything that isn’t Republican cutting food stamps for CHILDREN!!!!!!
“.. would also mark the first time in the history of SNAP that the federal government would no longer ensure children in every state have access to food benefits ..”
@cnbc.com
www.cnbc.com/2025/05/21/s...
@cnbc.com
www.cnbc.com/2025/05/21/s...
May 22, 2025 at 2:18 AM
This is so incredibly infuriating! Why are we talking about anything that isn’t Republican cutting food stamps for CHILDREN!!!!!!
Reposted by Lauren E. McGowan
Washington's rent stabilization bill, HB 1217, is now law.
May 7, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Washington's rent stabilization bill, HB 1217, is now law.
Reposted by Lauren E. McGowan
Excited about rent stabilization? Go email and call Governor Ferguson and make sure he knows you want him to sign the bill into law. #waleg
April 27, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Excited about rent stabilization? Go email and call Governor Ferguson and make sure he knows you want him to sign the bill into law. #waleg
Reposted by Lauren E. McGowan
New Federal Homelessness Contracts Appear Designed to Exclude Undocumented Immigrants
The new contract language also says the region's homelessness agency can't fund nonprofits that practice "gender ideology."
publicola.com/2025/04/24/n...
The new contract language also says the region's homelessness agency can't fund nonprofits that practice "gender ideology."
publicola.com/2025/04/24/n...
New Federal Homelessness Contracts Appear Designed to Exclude Undocumented Immigrants - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett New federal contracts for homeless services include a requirement that providers deny benefits to undocumented immigrants,…
publicola.com
April 25, 2025 at 1:25 AM
New Federal Homelessness Contracts Appear Designed to Exclude Undocumented Immigrants
The new contract language also says the region's homelessness agency can't fund nonprofits that practice "gender ideology."
publicola.com/2025/04/24/n...
The new contract language also says the region's homelessness agency can't fund nonprofits that practice "gender ideology."
publicola.com/2025/04/24/n...
Reposted by Lauren E. McGowan
Folks can demand that their lawmakers fix HB 1217 and return the annual rent cap for residential tenants to 7% here: www.wliha.org/stop-rent-go... #waleg
Stop Rent Gouging! Pass HB 1217 | Washington Low Income Housing Alliance
www.wliha.org
April 16, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Folks can demand that their lawmakers fix HB 1217 and return the annual rent cap for residential tenants to 7% here: www.wliha.org/stop-rent-go... #waleg
National Service is a National Treasure - it creates impact today and a pipeline of civically engaged leaders. Disgusted to hear about the abrupt closure of AmeriCorps NCCC. #nationalservice #americorps #resist #standup
Volunteers with AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) program were abruptly ordered to pack up and go home, with little explanation. It’s part of the latest round of cuts pushed by Elon Musk.
April 16, 2025 at 7:22 PM
National Service is a National Treasure - it creates impact today and a pipeline of civically engaged leaders. Disgusted to hear about the abrupt closure of AmeriCorps NCCC. #nationalservice #americorps #resist #standup
Reposted by Lauren E. McGowan
The US Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) is critical in coordinating the federal response to homelessness.
The President’s assault on USICH and Housing First will only exacerbate America’s unacceptable homelessness crisis.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/09/u...
The President’s assault on USICH and Housing First will only exacerbate America’s unacceptable homelessness crisis.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/09/u...
Trump’s Targeting of Homeless Agency Signals Sharp Shift in Policy
The president has all but shut down the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, but his real goal appears to be a fundamental change of approach for getting people off the streets.
www.nytimes.com
April 15, 2025 at 8:48 PM
The US Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) is critical in coordinating the federal response to homelessness.
The President’s assault on USICH and Housing First will only exacerbate America’s unacceptable homelessness crisis.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/09/u...
The President’s assault on USICH and Housing First will only exacerbate America’s unacceptable homelessness crisis.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/09/u...
Reposted by Lauren E. McGowan
If you rent a single family home, you should have the same protections from rent shifts as people in apartments. I find this amendment to be super problematic and I hope we will address these amendments in House-Senate conference. #waleg
Another amendment from Marko Liias, exempting residents of single family homes from the provisions of the bill, except for tenants in homes owned by corporations, passes by one single vote, 25-24.
April 10, 2025 at 11:45 PM
If you rent a single family home, you should have the same protections from rent shifts as people in apartments. I find this amendment to be super problematic and I hope we will address these amendments in House-Senate conference. #waleg
Washington needs more housing and more stability. Rent stabilization is smart, fair, and urgently needed to keep communities whole.
Read why LISC Puget Sound supports #EHB1217 and take action. #waleg #housingstability
www.linkedin.com/pulse/keep-w...
Read why LISC Puget Sound supports #EHB1217 and take action. #waleg #housingstability
www.linkedin.com/pulse/keep-w...
Keep Washington Housed: Rent Stabilization Is Smart, Fair, and Urgently Needed
At LISC Puget Sound, we work every day to support and train housing developers. We bring capital, we study the numbers, and we know the margins.
www.linkedin.com
April 7, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Washington needs more housing and more stability. Rent stabilization is smart, fair, and urgently needed to keep communities whole.
Read why LISC Puget Sound supports #EHB1217 and take action. #waleg #housingstability
www.linkedin.com/pulse/keep-w...
Read why LISC Puget Sound supports #EHB1217 and take action. #waleg #housingstability
www.linkedin.com/pulse/keep-w...
Reposted by Lauren E. McGowan
Do you think WA needs more housing around transit? Sign in "PRO" to show support for HB 1491, the Transit Oriented Housing Development bill in the Senate: app.leg.wa.gov/csi/Testifie...
@theurbanist.org @tech4housing.bsky.social @houseourneighbors.bsky.social
#Seattle #housing #urbanism #waleg
@theurbanist.org @tech4housing.bsky.social @houseourneighbors.bsky.social
#Seattle #housing #urbanism #waleg
CSI
app.leg.wa.gov
April 2, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Do you think WA needs more housing around transit? Sign in "PRO" to show support for HB 1491, the Transit Oriented Housing Development bill in the Senate: app.leg.wa.gov/csi/Testifie...
@theurbanist.org @tech4housing.bsky.social @houseourneighbors.bsky.social
#Seattle #housing #urbanism #waleg
@theurbanist.org @tech4housing.bsky.social @houseourneighbors.bsky.social
#Seattle #housing #urbanism #waleg
Reposted by Lauren E. McGowan
We are profoundly saddened to hear about the passing of Frank Chopp. His leadership, partnership, and advocacy for affordable housing and equitable development in our state has transformed countless lives, and his legacy of work continues to inspire the efforts of so many. He will be deeply missed.
Frank Chopp, former WA House speaker and tireless advocate, dies at 71
An advocate for health care and low-income housing, Frank Chopp was the longest-serving House speaker in the state's history and a rare legislative force.
www.seattletimes.com
March 24, 2025 at 4:52 PM
We are profoundly saddened to hear about the passing of Frank Chopp. His leadership, partnership, and advocacy for affordable housing and equitable development in our state has transformed countless lives, and his legacy of work continues to inspire the efforts of so many. He will be deeply missed.
Reposted by Lauren E. McGowan
The EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) was created by Congress. Last month, the Administration froze funding for the program.
Together with my colleagues on the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, I’m calling on EPA Director Zeldin to immediately release these funds.
Together with my colleagues on the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, I’m calling on EPA Director Zeldin to immediately release these funds.
EPA Freezes, Then Terminates, Multi-Billion Dollar Climate Grants, Scuttling Projects and Triggering Lawsuits - Inside Climate News
The lawsuits could take months, if not years, to resolve, experts say, leaving green banks, clean energy startups and low-income communities in financial limbo.
insideclimatenews.org
March 20, 2025 at 4:55 PM
The EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) was created by Congress. Last month, the Administration froze funding for the program.
Together with my colleagues on the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, I’m calling on EPA Director Zeldin to immediately release these funds.
Together with my colleagues on the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, I’m calling on EPA Director Zeldin to immediately release these funds.