Investments in Our Community: Section 3 & WMBE Contracting at Housing Hilltop

When Housing Hilltop opened in 2024, it represented a commitment to support the vibrant community on Tacoma’s Hilltop. In addition to adding 231 new affordable housing units, the project was set up to serve as an engine of economic growth both during its construction and beyond, providing jobs and commercial space to help the Hilltop and its residents thrive.

Economic Impact

At completion, the total cost of the Housing Hilltop project was $116,794,458. The project created an estimated 160 new jobs in the Hilltop community and brought a total of $223,077,415 to the local economy during the two-year construction period.

One-Time Sources of Local Revenues for a 100-Unit Family LIHTC Property

• 160 new jobs
• $223 Million+ in the local economy
• $57.3 Million Was Spent on Subcontractors
• $13.9 Million Went to Women- And Minority-Owned Businesses

Boosting Local Business

Two local businesses were selected to occupy commercial spaces in Housing Hilltop South: Reyna Filipina Kitchen Tacoma, a Filipino restaurant owned and operated by Tacoma Chef Jan Parker (pictured left), and Lavonne’s Room, a children’s retail store owned and operated by Hilltop’s own Bridget Demerson (pictured right). Thus, Housing Hilltop will continue to provide both housing and economic opportunities to local residents for years to come.

Hiring Local

During the #DesigntheHIll community development process, one of the recommendations community members advocated for in the Hilltop project was making job opportunities available to residents as housing was constructed. Going beyond that, THA tasked its development partner, Walsh Construction Co. to develop a plan for hiring Tacomans. In total, $57,359,550 was spent on subcontractors for the project, of that amount, $13,914.039 went directly to Minority- and/or Women-owned Business Enterprises.

Main Goals

• 25% of the hours worked on building Housing Hilltop be worked by low and very low income Tacomans.
• 5% of the hours worked on building Housing Hilltop be worked by low and very low income Hilltop residents.
• 14% of all subcontracts be awarded to women and minority-owned businesses.