Issaquah: Central Issaquah Plan
The City of Issaquah is actively pursuing a comprehensive vision for its urban core, centered around the Central Issaquah Plan, originally adopted in 2013. This plan aims to foster a dynamic urban environment while simultaneously safeguarding residential neighborhoods and the natural landscape. The City's ongoing commitment to this vision is evident through multiple interconnected initiatives, including the development of the Transit Oriented Development Opportunity Center (TOD-OC) and strategic public-private partnerships designed to enhance the vitality of the entire Central Issaquah area. These efforts are further bolstered by other key 2025 work plan items, such as continued light rail expansion planning, implementation of the housing strategy work plan, support for workforce housing development, improvements to the project permitting review process, execution of the economic development action plan, and a review of city property assets and surplus properties. As of Q1 2025, progress is on track with various projects under assessment, including the TOD-OC, permitting improvements, development bonus program investment criteria, utility fee waivers, and robust outreach to developers and property owners. Specifically, Q1 work on the TOD-OC involved reviewing cost estimates, initiating discussions on a condominium agreement, seeking reappropriation of prior funding, and commencing predesign work with health service providers.
A crucial aspect of Issaquah's development strategy is the creation of workforce housing across the income spectrum. This initiative ensures that individuals working in Issaquah can also afford to live there, aligning with the City's guiding principles. This endeavor is supported by a variety of policies and programs, including Missing Middle code changes, the Inclusive Housing Investment Pool (IHIP), investments in the A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH) Housing Trust Fund, the Transit-Oriented Development and the Opportunity Center, and various incentives designed to encourage affordable housing development. This priority is reinforced by other 2025 work plan items like the implementation of the Central Issaquah Plan, the broader housing strategy work plan, efforts to improve the project permitting review process, the economic development action plan, and the review of city property assets and surplus properties. In Q1 2025, the IHIP application was presented to the City Council for approval in February, with the next application round due in September. Ongoing outreach to property owners and developers continues throughout the year.
The City is also dedicated to improving its permit process to enhance efficiency, customer service, and predictability for both applicants and staff. This streamlined process is vital for aligning with city goals and adhering to state-mandated permit timelines. Q1 2025 saw the establishment of a timeline reporting system in preparation for state data collection, internal process improvements, external communications, and the creation of training programs for both staff and applicants. Guidance from the state for annual reporting was received in February 2025.
Finally, the Housing Strategy Work Plan, adopted in 2017, serves as a roadmap for addressing Issaquah's diverse housing needs, including affordability challenges, workforce housing requirements, and the demand for varied housing types. This plan encompasses code changes, additional funding, and the implementation of the Central Issaquah Plan. Key focus areas for 2025 include completing the Middle Housing Project, further improving permitting processes, and advancing the Transit Oriented Development – Opportunity Center (TOD-OC). This strategy is complemented by other 2025 work plan items such as the implementation of the Central Issaquah Plan, support for workforce housing development, improvements to the project permitting review process, the economic development action plan, and the review of city property assets and surplus properties. Q1 2025 work on the TOD-OC included reviewing cost estimates, initiating deliberations on a condominium agreement with KCHA, seeking reappropriation of a previous direct appropriation, and beginning predesign work with health service providers. The Middle Housing project is ongoing, with anticipated City Council action in Q2 2025.