Mountlake Terrace advances middle housing code update and community engagement efforts

The Mountlake Terrace City Council meeting on May 24, 2025, highlighted significant developments in housing and community planning as the city aims to address its growing housing needs. The council discussed ongoing efforts to update zoning codes, focusing on middle housing options such as duplexes, townhomes, and cottage housing. This initiative aligns with the Puget Sound Regional Council's Vision 2044 and recent state legislation, emphasizing the city's commitment to providing diverse housing opportunities for residents.

A community open house held on March 26 allowed residents to engage with city planners, ask questions, and provide input on various housing types and urban design strategies. The city is also advancing commercial and residential projects, including developments in the Town Center and Mountlake Village.

In addition to housing, the council outlined future goals for 2025 and beyond, including a citywide branding project to enhance regional recognition, a community engagement plan to connect departmental projects with public feedback, and an asset management plan to improve resource efficiency. The urban forest management plan aims to balance urban planning with community preferences, while improvements to Veterans Memorial Park are expected to be completed by fall.

The city is also focused on increasing communication with non-English speaking residents by providing translated materials. Ongoing community conversations and events are planned to foster inclusivity and engagement among diverse residents and visitors.

Overall, the meeting underscored Mountlake Terrace's proactive approach to urban development and community involvement, setting a clear path for future growth and improvement.