 Thanks to all of the input and feedback we received from you over the last two years, King County Executive Dow Constantine today transmitted the proposed updates for the 2024 Comprehensive Plan.
The plan will guide the County’s policy for the next 20 years on local services, land use, and development regulations in unincorporated King County and for regional services such as transit, sewers, parks, trails, and open space.
 The updated plan represents the culmination of a two-year-long planning process, which involved an improved and more equitable public engagement strategy. An Equity Work Group was convened in September 2022 to center community input in the development of the 2024 update, and public engagement throughout plan development resulted in 1.5 million points of engagement and more than 10,000 comments received.
The key elements of the plan around the three focus areas include:
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Equity: A new report documenting the local history of racially exclusive and discriminatory land use and housing practices in King County is a foundational element of the plan’s equity focus. The report analyzes how past land use regulations, development decisions, and neighborhood investments have impacted Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) households and proposes actions to repair these harms.
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Housing: The 2024 Update includes changes to increase housing supply and address the affordable housing crisis by encouraging and streamlining the development of middle housing, such as duplexes, triplexes, and accessory dwelling units. In addition, the 2024 Update creates an Inclusionary Housing incentive program that would increase the supply of affordable housing by offering developers cost-saving measures if they voluntarily include affordable units in development projects.
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Climate Change: The 2024 Update supports reductions in fossil fuel use in buildings, utilities, and transportation, and promotes the use of renewable resources. It streamlines permit requirements for Firewise clearing and promotes collaboration and planning with community partners to improve forest health and reduce the impacts of wildfires. The 2024 Update also supports the protection and longevity of mature and old-growth forests, a strategy with multiple benefits designed for long-term climate stability. Additionally, it requires climate solutions that distribute benefits equitably, with a focus on frontline communities most impacted by climate-related harm.
The 2024 Update also includes the proposed Snoqualmie Valley/Northeast King County Community Service Area Subarea plan, as well as related amendments to land use and zoning, development regulations in the King County Code, and the Vashon-Maury Island Community Service Area Subarea Plan.
How can I stay involved?
The King County Council will now review the plan throughout 2024, with the final adoption planned for December. There will be opportunities for public input throughout the review process. Most immediately is the draft Environmental Impact Statement, which is accepting public comment now through January 31, 2024.
More information can be found at kingcounty.gov/CompPlan.
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