Sammamish City Council Tackles Affordable Housing Issues Amid Town Center Expansion
The Sammamish City Council convened on June 17, 2025, to address the critical issue of affordable housing as part of the Town Center expansion project. The council deliberated on various strategies, including the Multifamily Tax Exemption, which aims to encourage developers to include affordable housing units. Community Development Director David Pyle highlighted the council's dedication to addressing housing affordability, despite the financial difficulties currently faced in the housing market. Residents voiced a range of opinions during public comment, with some advocating for the project while others raised concerns about infrastructure and transparency in planning. An expert consultant challenged assumptions about parking needs for affordable housing residents, emphasizing the importance of accommodating personal vehicles.
The council stressed the need for long-term planning, considering the project's impact for the next 50 years. The city plans to collaborate with local agencies to refine its affordable housing strategies. Upcoming dates include the publication of the draft code on June 23 and an open house on June 25 to discuss the code and permitting process.