What are Kent's Housing Priorites?

Kent is required by state law to "plan for and accomodate" housing affordable at a variety of levels. Over the next 20 years, we anticipate 10,200 new housing units and 32,000 new jobs in the City. In 2024, the City of Kent adopted the Kent Comprehensive Plan, a 20-year vision for growth in the City.

The Comprehensive Plan includes several chapters, which are called elements. The Land Use Element envisions concentrating housing, economic development, transportation, and infrastructure investments for efficient growth. These designated activity centers are in areas with high capacity transit and jobs.

The Housing Element contains five housing goals, supported by dozens of policies and actions.

Kent's housing needs are unique, especially compared to the rest of King County. Did you know Kent has the most naturally occurring affordabl housing (NOAH), meaning housing without subsidies, in the County? The State and County have allocated over 60% of our new housing units over the next 20 years to serve workforce, moderate income, and higher income households.