During a recent government meeting, officials emphasized the importance of their partnership with the Housing Authority of Snohomish County (HASCO) while addressing community concerns regarding housing developments. The city is currently engaged in a comprehensive planning process mandated by the Growth Management Act, which requires periodic updates every ten years. This plan will outline growth targets through 2044, focusing on population, employment, and housing unit increases.

The city has been allocated a growth target of approximately 9,600 residents, 3,200 jobs, and 4,900 housing units, based on projections dating back to 2020. Over the past four years, significant progress has been made towards these targets, with a particular emphasis on meeting the housing needs of households earning at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI). As of 2024, the AMI for a family of four in Snohomish County is projected to be around $150,000, highlighting the growing demand for affordable housing.

Officials noted that more than half of the housing needs fall within the lower income bracket, necessitating a focus on multifamily residential developments, such as apartments and condominiums. While the city has adopted regulations for infill housing and accessory dwelling units, these types of housing do not count towards the growth targets for lower-income households. Therefore, the city must demonstrate sufficient zoning capacity specifically for multifamily residential housing to meet its projected growth targets.

The planning process has been ongoing for about 18 months, with officials committed to providing clear information and feedback to the community as they navigate these critical housing challenges.