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Chamber monitors King County growth targets and comprehensive plan review

On March 21, King County demographer Chandler Felt briefed the Chamber's Land Use and Development Committee about the county's population growth targets in the next two decades.

According to his presentation, there were 1.7 million people in King County in 2000with an initial estimated increase of 300,000 new residents by 2020. That expected figure, however, is now 400,000, and by 2030, the population is likely to swell by another 100,000, he said.

The county is seeking to accommodate that growth as part of the third major review of its comprehensive plan. This plan serves as a blueprint for combining development decisions with environmental protection and long-term planning for infrastructure. Minor adjustments are made every year with a major review every four years.

On the issue of growth, the county plans to adopt "collegial" collaboration, whereby all jurisdictions agree to take their share of new residents. Throughout this process, the Chamber will work to ensure that county and city leaders recognize that balancing housing and job growth, as well as investing in necessary infrastructure, are key components for successfully accommodating newcomers.

Learn more and public feedback:

  • For more information about King Countys Comprehensive Plan and the 2008 update, visit www.kingcounty.gov/council/comprehensive_plan.aspx.
  • The Council has set five public meetings through March and April to solicit feedback and recommendations. The first occurred March 20. The next four are scheduled for tonight, March 27 (Vashon Island); Thursday, April 3 (Maple Valley); Wednesday, April 9 (Duvall); and Tuesday, April 22 (Renton). Meeting details can be found on the comprehensive plan webpage listed above.

    • For more information on the Chamber's Land Use and Development Committee, contact Vitoria Lin, Chamber government affairs director, at 206.389.7268.