King County Growth Council Backs Snoqualmies Request to Adjust Housing Target

The King County Growth Management Planning Council (GMPC) has unanimously approved Snoqualmie's request to decrease its housing growth target from 1,500 to 719 units, a significant shift reflecting the city's land capacity challenges. Originally ratified in 2022, the target was found to be unrealistic following a comprehensive study conducted in 2023, which highlighted that much of Snoqualmie's land is either developed, lies in floodplains, or is environmentally constrained. Mayor Katherine Ross has been a vigorous advocate for this adjustment, actively participating in meetings and public forums to raise awareness of the issue. She expressed her appreciation to the GMPC and other stakeholders for their collaborative efforts in achieving this outcome. The city remains dedicated to addressing housing needs while adhering to its unique geographical and environmental considerations.

To support affordable housing, Snoqualmie plans to utilize tools such as the Multi-Family Tax Exemption and implement zoning code updates. This decision not only reflects the city's commitment to sustainable growth but also highlights the importance of realistic planning in meeting housing demands. The collaboration between local officials and planning councils underscores the necessity of balancing growth with environmental stewardship.