Job creation and housing construction indicate that economic growth is continuing at a healthy pace, and that an increasing amount of that growth is coming in cities, Sims said. Unemployment hovers around three percent, the lowest in 30 years. However, early 2000 single and multiple family dwelling unit building permits have slowed some, indicating a leveling off of activity. With growth comes other impacts. Affordable housing becomes an issue, as the economic boom is not benefiting everyone.
Traffic congestion remains a critical factor, but transit ridership continues to grow.
King County remains a great place to live, and we will analyze and address the factors in these reports to help guide our planning in the years to come. The King County Annual Growth Report provides population, economic and housing information about King County. Since first published in 1983, the report has provided statistical data on each of the county's cities, the unincorporated areas, annexations, land area, growth capacity and housing data. Concise one page profiles for each city and the unincorporated areas are included. The Benchmark Report tracks the countywide, 20-year growth management plan and policies.