Mosqueda, Dembowski celebrate housing supports in impact fee legislation

King County officials revised impact fees on new residential developments to promote affordable housing and fund school projects. Led by Councilmembers Mosqueda and Dembowski, the amendments cap fees on family-sized units at $5,000 and exempt affordable housing from these charges. This approach addresses the ongoing housing crisis and declining school enrollment driven by families leaving the area due to high housing costs. Joe Mizrahi, a Seattle School Board member, highlighted the direct link between affordable housing and school enrollment, asserting that families benefit when they can afford to live near schools. The amendments also mandate a housing impact analysis for proposed fees, requiring schools to assess how these charges affect housing production and project feasibility.

This effort aligns with the recommendations of the Regional Affordable Housing Task Force Report, signaling King County's commitment to tackling housing accessibility. The fee cap will be recalibrated every four years, allowing adjustments based on data collection and capital planning. Dembowski noted that the new formula balances development costs with affordability, ensuring that housing remains accessible.