The Kirkland City Council is taking significant steps to address housing affordability in the community, particularly for renters. During the recent meeting on July 15, 2025, council members discussed amendments to the city’s zoning code that aim to enhance the availability of affordable rental units.

One of the key proposals is a 10% set-aside requirement for affordable housing units, with a specific focus on rental properties. This requirement includes a notable flexibility for larger rental units. Traditionally, rental units with two or more bedrooms were required to meet an affordability threshold of 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). However, the council is considering raising this threshold to 80% AMI to encourage the development of larger rental units, which are increasingly scarce in Kirkland and the surrounding region.

Additionally, the council is exploring an exchange ratio system for one-bedroom rental units. This system, previously approved for certain areas, allows developers to provide a different number of affordable units based on the size and type of the units they are offering. For example, in a hypothetical 100-unit project, if a developer includes 52 two-bedroom units, 31 one-bedroom units, and 20 studios, the 10% set-aside would require five two-bedroom units to be affordable. Under the new proposal, the two-bedroom units could qualify at the 80% AMI threshold, while the one-bedroom units could be adjusted using the exchange ratio, potentially increasing the number of affordable units provided.

The council emphasized that these changes are designed to better align with the community's needs and to ensure that a diverse range of housing options is available. The proposed amendments will not only help meet the immediate demand for affordable housing but also support the long-term goal of creating a more inclusive community.

As the council moves forward with these discussions, residents can expect further updates on how these changes will be implemented and their potential impact on the local housing market. The focus remains on ensuring that Kirkland remains a vibrant and accessible place for all its residents.