Following a selection process involving community organizations and housing partners, Wilson says she chose Larsen to drive the city’s affordable housing agenda. Wilson praised Larsen’s “thoughtful, values-based, and decisive leadership” in the announcement, saying that her guidance will be essential in expanding housing access and combating homelessness.
Larsen, who has been serving as acting director, brings two decades of sector experience including her time with Plymouth Housing. During her past five years as the office’s Policy and Planning Director, the mayor’s office says Larsen played a key role in reauthorizing the Seattle Housing Levy and launching new funding initiatives via JumpStart for permanent supportive housing.
“I believe housing is the solution to homelessness, and I will continue supporting our teams and partners to protect existing investments while building new permanently affordable housing for our neighbors who need it most,” Larsen said in the announcement.
Mayor Bruce Harrell’s housing director Maiko Winkler-Chin was one of many City Hall officials Wilson opted to replace as she took office.
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