Snoqualmie continues RFQ outreach, explores Imagine Housing and Related Northwest for city-owned affordable housing site

Director Davis, Snoqualmie’s community development director, told the Community Development Committee that the city has issued an RFQ for development of a city-owned property and is actively exploring partners to build affordable and workforce housing.

The committee heard that the RFQ team has met once and staff have been pursuing conversations with several prospects. “We’ve gone out for an RFQ,” Director Davis said, adding that the team has met once to form the selection group and is awaiting prototype concepts.

Why it matters: committee members emphasized the shortage of buildable land and the local need for workforce housing, and they pressed for clearer zoning and staffing to support development. Council Member Johnson said the single line item on the work plan did not reflect how important the issue has been for the council and described it as “so hard to make progress” because of limited land.

Details and next steps: Director Davis said two external people with housing development experience are involved in the outreach: Tim Locke (a member of the 25‑member task force) and Jonathan Perlstein, who has served on a Habitat for Humanity board. She said one potential model is the Imagine Housing project on St. Peter’s Street in Bellevue and that Imagine Housing had visited the Snoqualmie site. “We’re hoping to have a meeting with them because it seems like that type of project is going to be kind of suitable for this piece of property,” Director Davis said.

Staff also are consulting with Related Northwest, which suggested a much higher density option than earlier staff estimates: staff initially estimated 15–16 units could fit on the parcel; Related Northwest proposed that, with on-site parking and different design, the site might support about 40 units. Director Davis said financing and the “right partner” remain open questions; both Imagine Housing and Related Northwest bring financing experience that could be part of their proposals.

Committee members asked that shortlisted development organizations appear before the committee. Director Davis said that would be possible after staff and the RFQ team vet options. Several council members said staffing shortages had slowed progress: Director Davis reported recent hires and contract support but acknowledged the department’s limited capacity.

Discussion vs. decision: the committee discussed options and next steps but did not take formal action. Staff described the outreach, explained the RFQ status and candidate organizations, and committed to scheduling partner briefings for the committee as proposals solidify.

Ending: Staff expect continued RFQ work and future committee briefings as proposals and financing strategies are developed.