During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the pressing issue of housing imbalance in Sammamish, highlighting the disconnect between external growth targets set by the state and the internal housing needs of the city. A council member emphasized that while the state’s growth targets are essential, they fail to address local housing requirements, which are critical for sustainable community development.

The council member pointed out that the current comprehensive plan does not adequately consider these internal needs, particularly the necessity to optimize housing for future generations. They proposed a significant adjustment to the housing strategy, suggesting the addition of 5,000 market-rate units to the existing target of 21,100 affordable housing units. This proposal aims to address the broader housing needs of the community rather than merely meeting the minimum requirements set by external mandates.

The member expressed a preference for a modest growth target, advocating for filling existing gaps in the housing market rather than expanding the overall population influx. They urged the council to consider this proposal seriously, highlighting the importance of integrating both market-rate and affordable housing options to create a balanced and sustainable community.

The discussion concluded with a call for the council to review additional policy recommendations provided in a handout, which outlines strategies for achieving these housing goals in a manner that is both net positive and low impact on the community.