July
30,
2026
— Issaquah
The King County Housing Authority (KCHA), joined by the City of Issaquah, US Representative Kim Schrier, public officials, funding partners, development partners, and community stakeholders, today celebrated the groundbreaking for Trailhead Apartments, a new transit-oriented housing community that will bring 154 affordable rental homes to the heart of Issaquah.
Trailhead Apartments will provide affordable homes for households earning up to 40% and 60% of Issaquah’s Area Median Income (AMI), addressing the growing need for affordable housing on the Eastside. Developed by KCHA, the eight-story community will feature a mix of family-sized apartments and amenities designed to support long-term housing stability and quality of life.
The development is part of a broader mixed-income community that includes affordable homes developed by KCHA and market-rate housing developed separately, connected by public open space and pedestrian pathways. Plans for the site include a public plaza, restored wetlands, and a multimodal trail, and community-serving commercial space owned by the City of Issaquah.
Resident amenities will include a community room, exercise room, study room, fourth-floor courtyard, bicycle storage, and other shared spaces. The development is located next to the Issaquah Transit Center and across from Tibbetts Valley Park, and is designed to support a vibrant, walkable, mixed-income neighborhood centered around transit access and community connection.
Trailhead Apartments will also include several homes operated by Life Enrichment Options (LEO) for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, creating additional opportunities for inclusive community living.
Construction is now underway, with leasing and occupancy anticipated in 2028.
View the Trailhead Development Info Sheet
Financing & Partners
Trailhead Apartments is financed through a combination of 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, tax-exempt bonds, and public funding sources. Key partners include the City of Issaquah, A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH), King County, the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, RBC Community Investments, Fannie Mae, Life Enrichment Options, Weber Thompson Architects, and Walsh Construction.
What People are Saying
“Trailhead Apartments represents the kind of intentional, transit-oriented development our region needs, and it’s the type of development that KCHA specializes in. By bringing affordable homes to the center of Issaquah, close to transit, parks, jobs, and services, we are creating opportunities for families to thrive while strengthening the long-term vitality of the community.” - Robin Walls, President and CEO of KCHA
Affordable housing is the infrastructure that turns a city into a community. I’m proud to support projects like Trailhead Apartments that show how federal housing tools can and should support local leaders in creating lasting solutions for our housing needs, and building stable, healthy futures for the people who live here.” - Congresswoman Kim Schrier
"Housing is the foundation for opportunity. Trailhead Apartments is the kind of investment our region needs, with affordable homes connected to transit, jobs, parks, and community services. Through our Housing Finance Program, King County is proud to partner with the King County Housing Authority, the City of Issaquah, and many others to expand affordable housing across the Eastside. Every new affordable home gives more people the opportunity to live closer to work, stay connected to their community, and build a stable future." – Girmay Zahilay, King County Executive
“This project reflects what is possible when cities, housing agencies, nonprofit organizations, and funding partners work together toward a shared goal. Trailhead will help ensure that people of a range of incomes can live in and contribute to the Issaquah community.” - Issaquah Mayor Mark Mullet
"Affordable communities like Trailhead are the result of collaborative investment, patience, and a commitment to making Issaquah an inclusive place to live. ARCH applauds all the partners who never gave up on the vision of affordable housing in a community of opportunity like Issaquah." – Lindsay Masters, A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH)
"Affordable housing is challenging, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities need extremely affordable, safe, accessible homes and personal care services. That's why this housing matters." - Alyssa Midgley, Executive Director, Life Enrichment Options (LEO)
About the King County Housing Authority
The King County Housing Authority transforms lives through housing by providing rental assistance and quality, affordable housing to more than 50,000 people across King County. Through innovative programs and partnerships, KCHA supports residents in achieving stability, opportunity, and long-term success so that individuals, families, and communities can thrive.