Zoning determines what can be built—and where. Background: In 2023, the Washington State Legislature passed HB 1110, which requires cities like Kirkland to allow at least four units per lot in areas previously zoned for single-family housing. In certain areas up to six units per lot must be allowed.

However, Kirkland’s elected officials retain discretion on how we implement these densification mandates, where.

The Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) program gives developers tax breaks in exchange for setting aside a small number of units as “affordable.” While that may sound like a reasonable trade-off, it has serious long-term consequences for Kirkland residents.

MFTE shifts the financial burden away from large-scale developers and onto everyday taxpayers.

For many Kirkland residents, transit access is declining just as growth is accelerating. Kirklanders face discontinued or consolidated service in many neighborhoods—especially in north and east Kirkland, which have not been prioritized for future Metro investments.

Kirkland’s 2044 growth targets anticipate tens of thousands of new residents. Transit infrastructure isn’t keeping pace.

As Kirkland adds more housing, it’s important to understand how different types of development affect community needs. For example, smaller unit sizes and denser housing formats mean fewer families with school-age children.

So as more family homes are replaced with smaller condo units, Kirkland could follow Bellevue’s and Seattle’s leads with Elementary school consolidation.