The Coalition for More Housing Choices, of which MBAKS is a member, has released a new round of local housing snapshots highlighting the work ahead as cities plan for more housing over the next 20 years. Planning for housing is a key part of the local comprehensive plan update process underway this year.

The snapshots were prepared by MBAKS with input from the Coalition and feature King County’s largest cities, with additional snapshots being planned for some Snohomish County cities. They direct readers to resources designed to help local governments as they carry out the vital work of planning for more housing choices.

Supporting this local planning work is especially important given our state’s housing shortage. The Washington State Department of Commerce estimates the state needs to add 1.1 million homes over the next 20 years. King County will need 308,000 new homes and Snohomish County will need 167,000 new homes during that time. Our four-county Puget Sound region is projected to grow by 1.32 million more residents by 2044.

In addition to addressing our region’s housing shortage, cities will need to plan for more affordable housing choices as part of their comprehensive plan updates. Under state law adopted in 2021, local jurisdictions for the first time must plan for homes of all types that all ranges of household incomes can afford.

View local housing snapshots.

Please contact data@mbaks.com with any questions.