Council hears Multi‑Family Tax Exemption introduction as developers urge adoption
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Summary
City staff introduced a proposed Multi‑Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) after the Planning Commission recommended adoption; developers and project representatives urged the Council to approve the program, but a motion to adopt the recommendation was withdrawn and the item will return for further consideration.
City of Maple Valley staff introduced a Multi‑Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) proposal at the Jan. 26 regular Council meeting after the Planning Commission forwarded a recommendation.
Economic and Community Development Director Doug McIntyre and Community Development Manager Matt Torpey presented the program framework and next steps, and Planning Commission Chair Dave Pilgrim summarized the commission’s recommendation to establish MFTE authority in city code for qualifying multi‑family projects.
The matter drew several proponents during the public‑comment period. Representatives from private developers outlined the program’s benefits: Brad Goldberg (Visconsi) provided an overview of his firm’s work with property owners; Chris Pallis and Charles Strazzara, representing Pallis Properties, and Jeff Potter of Integrity Land LLC endorsed MFTE as an incentive to support multi‑family building; Drew Lang, representing the ICON project, also urged adoption. Bob Castagna (Brandt Properties) voiced support for MFTE and opposed a separate proposed pedestrian bridge on SR 169. Residents including Cheryl Castagna raised housing‑cost concerns and urged review of the city’s development fee schedule.
Councilmember Les Burberry moved to adopt all Planning Commission recommendations; Mayor Sean P. Kelly seconded that motion, but Burberry subsequently withdrew it. Councilmembers did not vote on substantive MFTE provisions at the Jan. 26 meeting. Staff said the item will return to a future meeting for additional discussion and formal action.
Why it matters: MFTE programs change tax incentive rules for developers and can affect housing production and local tax revenues. Council and staff will need to weigh plan eligibility criteria, anticipated fiscal impacts, and public testimony before any ordinance is brought forward.
Next steps: Staff indicated the MFTE proposal will return for further Council consideration with more details on eligibility, boundaries, and fiscal analysis.