Project History
The South Town Center Subarea Plan reflects several years of planning, environmental review, community engagement, and City decision-making. It guides redevelopment through updated standards for land use, building design, mobility, public spaces, and infrastructure.
Project Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| June 2022 | Mill Creek Boulevard Study completed, establishing an early vision for a mixed-use and walkable district. |
| December 2024 | City Council adopted the Comprehensive Plan through Ordinances 2024-927 and 2024-928. View Item C |
| May 2025 | City initiated the project and retained GGLO through Resolution 2025-779. View Item G |
| July–August 2025 | Community outreach included the Mill Creek Festival, a volunteer advisory-board workshop, public meetings, and stakeholder outreach. Input addressed walkability, trails, gathering spaces, businesses, design, and parking. |
| October 2025 | EIS scoping began, including a public meeting and written-comment period. |
| November 2025 | City expanded the scope of work for additional analysis through Resolution 2025-808. View Item G |
| January–March 2026 | Draft EIS released for public review and comment; a public meeting was held March 3. |
| March 2026 | Planning Commission recommended the development alternative that informed the adopted plan and regulations. View Item E |
| July 2026 | Final EIS issued. |
| July 27, 2026 | Planning Commission held a public hearing and unanimously recommended approval of the plan and regulations through Resolution 2026-184. View Item C |
| July 28, 2026 | City Council reviewed the plan and regulations at a study session. |
| August 19, 2026 | Washington State Department of Commerce completed its review. |
Outreach Summary
Public and stakeholder input helped inform the plan’s vision and development standards. Outreach included engagement at the Mill Creek Festival, a volunteer advisory-board workshop, public meetings, environmental-review comment periods, and stakeholder outreach.
Feedback emphasized walkability, protection of the North Creek Trail and greenbelt, public gathering spaces, a diverse mix of businesses, quality design, parking management, and safer pedestrian and bicycle connections.
The City also provided formal opportunities for public comment during environmental review, including EIS scoping in October 2025 and Draft EIS review in early 2026.
Environmental Impact Statement
The Final Environmental Impact Statement evaluates potential environmental effects of the South Town Center Subarea Plan and identifies mitigation measures and planning considerations for redevelopment.