Sammamish City officials are taking significant steps to revitalize the town center, aiming to strike a balance between housing density and community amenities. During the recent Planning Commission meeting on July 17, 2025, city planners discussed the challenges of promoting affordable housing while adhering to existing codes and plans.

The town center plan, which has been in place for several years, has not seen the expected level of development. Recent projects, such as the TRF Met Market developments and Beachy Joe townhomes, were built in areas that required minimal infrastructure investment, limiting broader development opportunities. City officials emphasized the need for a more strategic approach to encourage growth in the town center, which is crucial for meeting housing demands.

As part of the ongoing planning process, the city has completed a background study and stakeholder engagement, and has released a draft supplemental environmental impact statement (EIS) along with a draft plan and code. The public comment period for these documents is still open, allowing residents to provide feedback that will help refine the proposals.

A key decision made during the meeting was the city council's resolution to pursue a preferred alternative that could potentially allow for the development of up to 4,000 housing units. While this does not guarantee that all units will be built, it provides the city with the flexibility to explore the implications of such growth.

Looking ahead, city planners will work on the final supplemental EIS over the summer and into the fall, integrating it with the final plan. This will ensure that any necessary adjustments can be made based on public input and environmental considerations. The anticipated timeline for the final code is set for late 2025 or early 2026, depending on the complexity of the process.

City officials highlighted the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of Sammamish's town center, urging residents to continue participating in discussions and providing feedback as plans evolve.