Director Larson gave the Planning Commission a three-month outlook and a summary of recent project work and departmental metrics.

Why it matters: the director’s report sets expectations for the commission’s schedule — including February work on the preferred City Center alternative, March public hearings and April recommendations — and provides operational context such as permit volumes and major projects that affect planning and capital investments.

Operational metrics presented: for 2024 the community development group received 578 permit applications and issued 482 permits; an average of 46 permits were in review each week; staff conducted an average of 18 inspections per week; and the city collected “just a little over $1,200,000 in permit and impact fees,” Director Larson said.

Project updates and near-term items: Sound Transit issued its draft EIS on Dec. 13, 2024; city staff and the city’s consultants (KPG) are reviewing it and Sound Transit will present to the city council during its comment period. On Sheffield Trail, Larson said a contractor is under contract and that the project uses federal funding and associated federal oversight. On the 20th Street corridor, staff and Republic Works secured grant dollars to design a shared-use trail and intersection improvements at 20th and 62nd; staff encouraged commissioners to take a survey open to the public to provide input on multimodal facilities.

Administrative notes: Director Larson announced reappointments for Commissioner Kohler and Commissioner Dominique through 2027, and said staff will advertise to fill Vice Chair Humphreys’ seat before his scheduled departure. Larson also flagged follow-up items including the City Center planned action ordinance, Firwood neighborhood rezoning conversations and other state-mandated periodic updates.

No formal action was taken on these reports during the Jan. 6 meeting; staff asked commissioners to contact staff with questions and said they will return with materials for commission review in the coming weeks.