To some low-income-housing advocates, spending $1,115 a month to rent a studio apartment in Seattle does not sound affordable. Mayor Greg Nickels and the Seattle City Council say it is.

On Monday, the council approved Nickels' proposal to renew and expand a tax break for developers who build apartments and condos the city considers affordable.

What is affordable, however, has ignited a debate about whether the city should fund housing for people who are trying to rise out of poverty, such as homeless people, or for those struggling to live in the city where they work, such as entry-level teachers and firefighters.

"What is the definition of affordability?" asked Councilmember Nick Licata, who cast the lone opposing vote. Licata argued on behalf of food-service workers, cashiers and janitors who earn even less than the people the city's tax break hopes to help.

Council members who supported the multifamily tax exemption called it a minor tool to fight the major crisis of affordable housing i

Copyright 2008 The Seattle Times Company