Jesse Epstein (1910-1989) was the first director of the Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) in 1939, having been a primary force in its creation. When the U.S Housing Act of 1937 was passed, subsidizing the construction of low-income housing, Epstein worked for legislation to enable the creation of a local housing authority in Seattle. Two housing bills, the Housing Authorities Law and the Housing Cooperation Law, became law on February 28, 1939; the Seattle Housing Authority was created in March, and Epstein became its chairman in April. The SHA's first project was the creation of a low-income housing project in an area of First Hill known as Yesler Hill. Early on, Epstein made two major decisions: to reject the plans provided by the federal government and instead hire a team of local architects to plan the project; and that the project would be fully racially integrated. Yesler Terrace, with 690 dwelling units, was completed in 1942.

Epstein led the SHA until 1945, and by 1947 was the Federal Housing Authority's regional director for nine Western states. After being accused of being a Communist during the Canwell hearings in Seattle, Epstein left government to return to academia, and then practiced law in Seattle. He remained involved in civic affairs until his death in 1989.

This portrait of Jesse Epstein was taken during his tenure as Executive Director of the Seattle Housing Authority.

Caption information written by: "Epstein, Jesse (1910-1989)," by John Caldbick, HistoryLink.org Essay 10940.