The City of Snoqualmie’s request to lower its housing growth target from 1,500 to 719 units received unanimous approval from the King County Growth Management Planning Council (GMPC) on March 26, 2025.
The GMPC, which includes representatives from the Sound Cities Association (SCA) Caucus, advanced the proposal to the King County Council for final approval.
Under Washington State’s Growth Management Act, every city is assigned a housing growth target. Snoqualmie’s original target of 1,500 units was ratified in 2022 through the King County Countywide Planning Policies (CPP), establishing 20-year growth expectations for cities across the county.
In response to the assigned number, Snoqualmie commissioned a comprehensive 2023 study to assess the city’s land capacity and ability to meet the target. The study determined that the original figure significantly exceeded what the city could realistically support, citing that most of Snoqualmie’s land is already developed, lies within a floodplain, or is environmentally constrained. Staff from the Community Development and Parks & Public Works departments contributed key research and expertise supporting the request.
Mayor Katherine Ross formally submitted the request to reduce the growth target in March 2024, proposing the revised number of 719 units identified in the study. Over the past year, she has actively championed the adjustment—attending meetings and planning sessions, speaking at GMPC gatherings, and even leading a city tour to highlight Snoqualmie’s land constraints.
“I would like to express my appreciation to the GMPC, SCA, King County Council and staff, Puget Sound Regional Council, and Snoqualmie City Council, for their collaboration on this positive outcome,” said Mayor Ross. “Despite buildable land constraints, Snoqualmie will continue to support affordable and missing middle housing with tools like the Multi-Family Tax Exemption and multiple zoning code updates to meet new state housing laws.”
The City remains committed to meeting housing needs in ways that reflect its unique geography, environmental considerations, and state law requirements.
