Today marks a significant stride forward in our collective fight against displacement and the preservation of Black homeownership in Seattle! Mayor Bruce Harrell has announced powerful new legislation designed to curb predatory homebuying practices – a direct answer to the calls from our community to protect our homes and our generational wealth.

For too long, Black homeowners, particularly our seniors and those in financially vulnerable situations, have been targeted by unsolicited, aggressive offers for their homes. These tactics often pressure families into selling below market value, stripping away hard-earned equity and accelerating displacement from the very neighborhoods we’ve built and sustained for generations.

This new legislation is a critical step in putting power back into the hands of homeowners. It’s about ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in real estate transactions, and it aligns perfectly with Black Legacy Homeowners’ unwavering commitment to keeping our families rooted and strong.

What Does This New Legislation Mean for YOU?

These new protections are designed to safeguard homeowners by:

• Empowering You with Information: Buyers will now be required to inform homeowners of their rights, including how to access a fair market appraisal (with the buyer covering the cost) and the right to hire a real estate agent and seek legal counsel.

• Providing Time to Decide: Homeowners will have a crucial 10 business days after signing a purchase contract (or 10 days after receiving an appraisal) to cancel the agreement. This provides vital breathing room against high-pressure tactics.

• Holding Predatory Buyers Accountable: The City will now have the power to fine individuals or businesses that fail to comply with these new regulations. Furthermore, it establishes a private right of action, allowing homeowners to seek legal recourse if a buyer violates the ordinance.

This legislation goes even further than State House Bill 1081, imposing more stringent fines and providing greater notice and time for homeowners to protect themselves.

As our Executive Director, Chukundi Salisbury, stated: “For too long, Black homeowners in Seattle have been targeted, pressured, and pushed out by predatory buyers who see our homes as profit, not legacy. This legislation is about putting power back in the hands of our elders, our families, and our community. At Black Legacy Homeowners, we’ve seen how some high-pressure, shady deals can tear apart neighborhoods and erase decades of hard-earned equity. These protections will help Black homeowners stay rooted and strong in the face of gentrification and displacement.”

This is a testament to what we can achieve when we advocate together. It strengthens our “We are Still Here and We Shall Not Be Moved!” movement. We will continue to monitor this legislation as it moves through the City Council’s Housing and Human Service Committee and keep you informed.

Stay vigilant, stay connected, and continue to empower yourselves with knowledge.

Sincerely,

The Black Legacy Homeowners Team

#WeAreStillHere #BlackHomeownership #AntiDisplacement #HousingJustice #Seattle #ProtectOurHomes

Urgent: Our Village Needs You! Help a Black Homeowner Stay Housed

Read about our May meetup & our exciting partnership with the CDCPDA!

Seattle, WA — The Central District Community Preservation and Development Authority (CDCPDA) and Black Legacy Homeowners (BLHO) are proud to announce a transformative partnership to advance Black homeownership, prevent displacement, and build generational wealth in Seattle and beyond.

Together, the two organizations will create a new Black Homeownership Hub, headquartered in the heart of Seattle’s historic Central District. This hub will be a vital resource for Black homeowners, future buyers, and community members seeking culturally competent tools to protect, expand, and preserve Black-owned property.

The partnership’s anti-displacement strategy will include:

• Support for existing Black homeowners to stay in place through home repair resources, pre-development support for ADUs/DADUs, and access to financial tools to expand generational assets.
• Estate planning services and deed education are needed to prevent the involuntary loss of Black-owned homes through probate or title issues.
• Resources for aspiring homeowners, including workshops on down payment assistance, financial literacy, credit repair, and buyer readiness.

“As stewards of land and legacy, CDCPDA is honored to partner with Black Legacy Homeowners to center Black families in the conversation around housing justice and equity,” said Shaude’ Moore, CDCPDA CEO. “This is more than a building—it’s a home for empowerment, connection, and ownership.”

The hub will also host monthly community meetings for the Seattle Chapter of Black Legacy Homeowners and community-driven events, trainings, and homeownership clinics. This space will amplify the voices of historically excluded families from property ownership and development decision-making.

“Seattle’s Black homeowners need a safe place to gather, learn, and build together,” said Chukundi Salisbury, BLHO Executive Director. “This partnership is a bold step forward in protecting our roots and investing in a future where Black homeownership thrives.”

More information about the partnership, event schedule, and resources will be released in the coming weeks.

Contact:
Media Inquiries – [email protected]
Black Legacy Homeowners – info@blacklegacyhomeowners.org

About CDCPDA: The Central District Community Preservation and Development Authority is committed to preserving Seattle’s Central District’s cultural and economic fabric by supporting initiatives rooted in equity, restoration, and community development.

About Black Legacy Homeowners: Black Legacy Homeowners is a grassroots initiative committed to protecting Black-owned property, educating Black families on homeownership, and empowering future generations through policy, advocacy, and outreach.

Read about our April meetup and RSVP for next month’s event!

March 2025 has been an exciting month for the Black Legacy Homeowners Network! We have been fortunate to visit Tacoma and Federal Way to meet homeowners and grow the network.

On March 22nd, we had our first meeting in Tacoma at the People’s Community Center and welcomed new members to the network. On March 23rd, we gathered for an inspiring and impactful meeting at The Royal Esquire Club. We were honored to welcome Seattle District 2 City Council Member Mark Solomon as our guest speaker. CM Solomon shared his insights on anti-displacement efforts and emphasized the importance of collective action to preserve our neighborhoods and legacy. His words resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the power of unity and advocacy.

On March 26th, we met at the Federal Way 320th Library and heard from homeowners from South King County. This month, we shared exciting updates from Byrd Barr Place, including valuable resources for homeowners. Attendees learned about support available for senior taxes, ADU/DADU development, and home improvement funds—tools designed to empower and sustain our community. In each room, the energy was palpable as we reaffirmed our commitment to the cause.

Together, we declared: We Are Still Here and We Shall Not Be Moved.

For those who couldn’t attend meetings this month, look out for emails about our upcoming April events!

Photo Gallery

Read about our March meetups, and new information about homeowner resources from Byrd Barr Place

Black Legacy Homeowners is excited to partner with Byrd Barr Place to bring you information about three new programs designed to support homeowners in our community! We understand the challenges many face in maintaining homeownership and building generational wealth. These programs offer crucial assistance for seniors, those looking to add ADUs/DADUs, and those needing home repairs or expansions. Read on to see how these initiatives can benefit you!

Program Highlights:

1. Senior Property Tax Anti-Displacement Grant

• This grant aims to help eligible seniors facing financial hardship by providing support to cover back property taxes.  
• Who is eligible? The program will serve people with disabilities or seniors in King, Snohomish, Pierce, and other counties as needed. Priority will be given to seniors. Clients with incomes up to 100% AMI based on HUD guidelines adjusted for household size can apply.  
• How are applicants selected? Applicants will be prequalified based on criteria including risk of displacement and homelessness. Qualification is also based on income, likelihood of losing property due to tax sale, and length of homeownership.  
• Grant Amount: Grants up to $5,000 are available.  
• Deadline: June 30, 2025  

2. ADU/DADU Loan Program

• This loan program assists homeowners in adding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) to their property.  
• Who is eligible? Applicants with an AMI at or below 120% based on HUD guidelines adjusted by household size are eligible. Clients will be evaluated based on project readiness, with priority given to projects that can be completed or begin by June 30, 2025.  

3. Home Repair and Expansion Loan

• This loan program provides funds to repair or expand existing homes.  
• Who is eligible? Applicants with an AMI at or below 120% based on HUD guidelines adjusted by household size are eligible. Clients will be evaluated based on project readiness, with priority given to projects that can be completed or begin by June 30, 2025.  
• Loan Amount: Up to $50,000 is available.  

How to Apply:

To apply for any of these programs, please fill out the appropriate application form. Be prepared to provide the necessary documentation, such as income verification, property tax bills, and mortgage statements. For specific document requirements, please refer to each program’s application form.

Please see the links below with .pdfs of each application

01 Senior Tax Grant

02 ADU DADU Loan Application

03 Home Repair And Expansion Loan

We are reaching out to you today with an urgent call to action regarding the Covenant Homeownership Act (CHA) Trailer Bill, HB 1696. As Black Legacy Homeowners (BLHO), our mission is to preserve, protect, and empower Black homeowners in Seattle and surrounding areas, many of whom are the legacy homeowners who are the bedrock of our communities.

You may recall the significant opposition to HB 1696 during the March 19 hearing in the Senate Housing Committee. While these opposing voices are active, it’s crucial that our collective support for the Covenant Homeownership Program and the vital changes proposed in the trailer bill is heard even louder by our legislators.