King County: Development Fee Increase
King County Executive Dow Constantine's hefty 49% increase on development permitting fees proposal, if approved by the County Council, will significantly increase the financial burden on developers. This latest hike comes on the heels of a 13.7% permanent fee increase and a 2.5% temporary surcharge implemented in the 2023-24 budget.
Issaquah: HB 1110 and Planning for Middle Housing
The quiet suburban city of Issaquah, Washington, is grappling with a pressing urban issue: how to increase housing affordability while preserving its small-town charm. Recent state legislation has mandated that cities across the state adopt regulations to allow for more middle housing—duplexes, triplexes, and the like—on residential lots. Issaquah, like many other cities, is now tasked with navigating a delicate balancing act between accommodating state requirements and maintaining the character of its neighborhoods.
Redmond: 2050 Comprehensive Plan and the Transportation Master Plan
The City of Redmond, Washington, is embarking on a comprehensive overhaul of its Transportation Master Plan (TMP), a critical document that will guide the city's transportation policies and investments for years to come. As part of the broader Redmond 2050 Comprehensive Plan, the TMP update aims to create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that supports the city's growth and development.
Bellevue: HB 1293 and the Permitting Process
Implementing House Bill 1293, a state law that requires cities to adopt clear and objective design regulations for new developments. This mandate, passed in 2023, aims to streamline the permitting process and improve the predictability of development outcomes.
Bellevue: HB 1042 and Residential Conversions
In a bid to address the escalating housing crisis and revitalize its urban core, the City of Bellevue has unveiled a series of proposed land use code amendments designed to encourage the redevelopment of existing commercial and mixed-use buildings into residential units. These changes, aligned with the state's mandate under House Bill 1042, aim to strike a delicate balance between economic growth and urban sustainability.