Microsoft's $500 mil pledge viewed with enthusiasm, caution

SEATTLE (AP) — Microsoft pledged its ample balance sheet to influence affordable homebuilding in the Seattle area. But as part of its $500 million pledge, it also asked regional cities to ease constraints on housing development — and that request is running into the messy politics of local zoning.

With former Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire handling the lobbying, mayors from nine suburban King County cities — including Auburn, Bellevue and Kirkland — were asked to sign on to a letter that commits them to consider policy changes in seven specific areas.