Sedro Woolley plans for 2360 new housing units addressing low-income shortages

In the heart of Sedro-Woolley, city planners gathered on March 18, 2025, to discuss the future of their community, focusing on the critical need for housing and employment growth over the next two decades. The meeting, held at the local city hall, was marked by a sense of urgency as officials outlined the requirements set forth by state legislation and the implications for the city’s development.

At the forefront of the discussion was the necessity for Sedro-Woolley to accommodate a projected population increase from 12,596 in 2022 to a target of 16,596 by 2045. This growth, representing a significant 31% increase, also comes with an expectation of job creation, with employment targets rising from 4,640 to 7,040 positions. The planning commission emphasized the importance of aligning these targets with the community's capacity to provide adequate housing, particularly for low-income residents.

A key change in state requirements, introduced through House Bill 1220, mandates that cities must now plan for housing that caters to all economic segments, not just the overall population growth. This shift has introduced complexities into the planning process, as officials noted a current deficit of several hundred units for low-income households, defined as those earning below 80% of the area median income (AMI). The commission highlighted that while the city must plan for a total of 2,360 housing units, the distribution of these units across different income levels is crucial to meet the diverse needs of the community.

The meeting also addressed concerns about the potential for rapid demand outpacing supply. A hypothetical scenario was raised regarding a developer proposing to build 1,400 affordable homes. Officials acknowledged that if such a development were to attract a surge of interest, the city could still meet its Growth Management Act obligations, but it might necessitate adjustments to the capital facilities plan to accommodate unexpected demand.

As the meeting concluded, the planning commission recognized the importance of building on past successes while adapting to current conditions. The discussions underscored a collective commitment to ensuring that Sedro-Woolley not only meets its growth targets but also fosters an inclusive community where all residents have access to affordable housing options. With the clock ticking toward 2045, the city stands at a pivotal moment, balancing growth with the pressing need for equitable housing solutions.