Mayor’s Minute
I hear this question a lot:
Why does it feel like the City Council allows unrestricted growth?
In many cases, it’s because growth decisions are increasingly being mandated by the state, not chosen locally.
Right now, state legislation moving through Olympia, SB 6026 and its companion HB 2480, would further limit a city’s ability to guide where and how growth occurs. While intended to increase housing, these bills restrict local authority to require ground floor retail or commercial space in areas planned for jobs and services.
Here’s what that could mean locally:
Imagine the south side of 20th Street SE. Today, it is zoned commercial to support small businesses, services, and employment. Under this state mandate, that entire stretch could become five-story apartment buildings with no ground floor retail. No storefronts. No walkable services. Just housing.
Even with recent amendments, the relief for cities is minimal. Private building amenities like gyms or leasing offices could count as commercial space, and cities with employment shortages or recently adopted comprehensive plans receive little flexibility.
Lake Stevens supports housing. We simply believe communities work best when cities retain the ability to plan balanced, livable neighborhoods rather than follow one size fits all state mandates.
If you agree that local voices should matter in land use decisions, I encourage you to sign in CON.
🔗 SB 6026
https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=6026&Year=2025
🔗 HB 2480
https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=2480&Year=2025
Click “Sign in to Testify,” select CON, and submit. No testimony required.
That’s the Mayor’s Minute.
- Brett