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The windstorm that struck the Seattle area left many residents without electricity, peaking at around 114,000 homes affected. City departments were swiftly mobilizing to respond to the damage caused by fallen trees and power lines. The mayor expressed empathy for those experiencing the inconvenience, particularly individuals reliant on medical devices and other essential utilities.
Simultaneously, the severity of the housing crisis that residents face loomed large. According to census data, nearly 44% of Seattle renters spend over a third of their income on rent, highlighting a substantial burden affecting approximately 90,000 households. This context framed the conversation surrounding new initiatives aimed at improving housing availability and affordability.