The Kansas City Council Committee of the Whole voted on Sept. 2 to adopt a resolution ratifying amendments to King County’s countywide planning policies (CPPs) related to growth targets and housing needs for the cities of Snoqualmie and Carnation.

Daja Mitchell of Long Range Planning told the council the amendment reconciles lower growth targets and housing needs requested by Snoqualmie and Carnation after conditions changed following the 2021 policy adoption. Mitchell said the CPP amendment does not affect the city of Kent’s housing needs or the city’s 2044 comprehensive plan.

Mitchell summarized how countywide planning policy sits in the region’s growth management framework and noted the Growth Management Policy Council recommended the amendment. She told the council that King County adopted ordinance 19946 on July 1, 2025, and that countywide policies require ratification by ordinance or resolution of at least 30% of cities and county governments representing 70% of the county population to become effective. She added the amendment takes effect Oct. 22, 2025, unless disapproval thresholds are met.

Council member Laura moved adoption of Resolution No. 2097 to ratify the amendments; a second was given and the motion passed unanimously on voice vote.

Why it matters: countywide planning policies set regional expectations for growth and housing need reconciliation; ratification by cities is a formal step needed for the King County amendment to take effect in the region.