Kennewick planners outline housing needs amid population growth and affordability challenges

The Kennewick City Council Workshop held on April 22, 2025, focused on the city's growth, housing needs, and economic development strategies. The meeting began with a presentation highlighting the variety of developments in Kennewick, including new single-family subdivisions, multifamily housing, and commercial projects. Notably, the planned expansion of the convention center was mentioned as an exciting development for the city.

Tascina, a city planner, provided an overview of the current demographic and housing data. She noted that Kennewick's population is growing steadily but at a slower pace compared to neighboring communities. The state has set a population target for Kennewick, currently estimated at around 109,000, which necessitates planning for adequate housing. The city is required to analyze land capacity to ensure it can accommodate future housing needs across various income levels.

The discussion also touched on the changing demographics of Kennewick, with an increase in the Hispanic population and a decrease in the white population. This shift is significant as it impacts housing needs and cultural considerations in planning. Tascina highlighted that Kennewick has a higher percentage of rental households compared to Benton County, with over 50% of renters considered cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing.

The meeting also addressed rising rental and ownership housing costs, which are becoming increasingly challenging for residents. Tascina pointed out that while Kennewick's housing prices are relatively lower than in other communities, the gap between income and housing costs is widening, making affordability a pressing issue.

Council members discussed the need for a diverse range of housing types to meet the varying needs of the community. Tascina emphasized the importance of planning for both high-density developments and smaller-scale housing options. The meeting concluded with a call for further analysis of job sectors in Kennewick, particularly in retail and service industries, and the potential for diversifying the local economy through targeted industries.

Overall, the workshop underscored the city's commitment to addressing housing challenges and planning for sustainable growth while considering the evolving demographics and economic landscape of Kennewick. Further discussions and analyses are expected as the city moves forward with its comprehensive planning efforts.