Council shifts stance on state mixed‑use bill — will support only with modifications

Kirkland’s Legislative Review Team briefed council on Feb. 3 about several bills under consideration in Olympia and recommended a change in the city’s formal position on a high‑profile housing bill.

The work group had previously logged an oppose position on House Bill 24‑80 and its companion Senate Bill 60‑26, which contain provisions affecting mixed‑use zoning and ground‑floor commercial requirements. Staff and the legislative work group reported that a set of amendments introduced in the Senate substitute and further language changes being negotiated have made portions of the bill more palatable for cities. Work‑group members said they were seeking amendments or clarifications that would preserve key local authorities such as the ability to require ground‑floor retail in regional neighborhood centers, to protect grocery stores and to avoid unintended impacts on specified commercial uses.

Council Member Arnold, chair of the legislative review team, moved that Kirkland change its position from 'oppose' to 'support only with modifications' if the legislative changes include safeguards the city deems sufficient. After discussion, the council approved the motion unanimously, 7–0.

City staff and contract lobbyists will continue to seek amendments and will send letters and testimony emphasizing fiscal impacts on cities and the protections the city seeks. The council’s revised position gives staff greater negotiation flexibility while signaling the city’s conditional support if the stated local protections are written into the bill.

What to watch: staff said they will monitor the bill as it proceeds through policy and fiscal cutoffs, provide suggested amendment language and report back to council as amendments emerge.