Frequently Asked Questions

Two layers of decisions are at work, and they're easy to mix up. State law (the Growth Management Act, plus the 2023 middle housing law) sets minimums that every city must allow. Kirkland's own 2044 Comprehensive Plan, adopted by the City Council in December 2024, chose how far beyond those minimums to go. Which parts are state requirements and which are the city's own choices is the most common point of confusion we see. Our housing primer walks through it.

No. Comprehensive plans are adopted by a City Council vote, not a public ballot, and Kirkland's council adopted the 2044 plan in December 2024. The way residents shape these decisions is by weighing in before the votes happen. Our guide to contacting the council explains how.

No. Kirkland is ahead of pace on its 13,200-home target for 2044. In the first 28% of the planning period the city permitted roughly 40% of the target. The one area where progress lags is homes affordable at the lowest income levels, which is where much of the current council debate sits. The numbers and sources are here.

The zoning changes that carry out the 2044 plan are still moving through the Planning Commission and the City Council, and they arrive a few items at a time. Our meeting recaps cover each decision as it happens, and Meetings & Deadlines lists what's coming up and when you can weigh in.