There are plenty of headwinds affecting affordable housing construction and maintenance right now. Building costs are going up, and federal funding is uncertain. Affordable housing providers in Seattle and beyond have struggled as COVID-era rent subsidies disappeared.

Colleen Echohawk has been thinking about these issues a lot. She is the new CEO of Community Roots Housing, a Public Development Authority that manages over 2,300 affordable housing units in Seattle. They’re set to open more units in 2026, so we spoke to her about her plans for the organization.

Echohawk is also a member of the transition team for Mayor Katie Wilson, co-chairing the a group working on affordable housing and community needs.

Guest

Colleen Echohawk, CEO, Community Roots Housing

Related Links

Seattle’s affordable housing industry is in crisis. The city faces tough choices - The Seattle Times (June 2025)

Seattle doubles bailout for ailing affordable housing sector - The Seattle Times (December 4th, 2025)

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One view of Seattle's affordable housing future