I’m writing in response to the letter questioning why the City of Black Diamond approved the Comprehensive Plan update. (“Vote Bowie, dal Santo, and Sorci to put Black Diamond first,” published Oct. 29).
As a city council member I share why I voted to pass the plan, because decisions should be based on facts, not fear.
In 1990, Washington State passed the Growth Management Act to help cities plan for population growth responsibly. Cities must update their comprehensive plans every ten years, and ours was due in 2024. Updating it gives us a foundation we can refine together, brings us into compliance with state law, and reopens access to grants and funding for roads, parks, and other infrastructure our families rely on.
In 1996, King County designated Black Diamond as an Urban Growth Area, and an agreement was negotiated to set aside about 915 acres for future development while reserving surrounding land for open space.
Growth in what is now Ten Trails was determined decades ago. Thirty years later, southeast King County remains one of the few places where neighborhoods can still be built. We’re directed to build much of the region’s housing here because our community has room for families to live and grow. The county’s target of 2,900 new housing units by 2044 is a bare minimum, not a cap, and ensures we plan responsibly for population growth.
The MPD agreements that followed require major investments in roads, utilities, parks, and public facilities, and those obligations remain binding. When the Council approved the plan, I sponsored an amendment specifically to address Maple Valley’s concerns. It passed unanimously and ensured those requirements stayed intact. During that meeting, Maple Valley’s representatives publicly thanked Black Diamond for its cooperation and leadership, which shows when cities work together, we all benefit.
Some claim the city has ignored infrastructure or school needs. That’s not true. Oakpointe and the Enumclaw School District are nearing an agreement to build a new elementary school in Ten Trails at no cost to taxpayers. The new fire station is complete, and the city is developing a pre-annexation agreement to ensure long-term staffing and service. We also adjusted the ballfield timeline so we can build high-quality fields that best fit our community and serve families for years to come.
Black Diamond is holding developers accountable, but we must also work with them. After the coal industry left, our town saw little investment for decades and never built a strong commercial core. Responsible growth and collaboration are how we’ll build a stronger tax base, attract local jobs, and create a community where teachers, first responders, and working families can afford to live.
Black Diamond is like our children. Change is constant, and growth is part of a healthy, thriving community. Our role is to guide it wisely so it strengthens what makes this place special. Growth brings challenges, but also opportunity, better roads, new parks, strong schools, and a vibrant local economy. Our town is special, and thoughtful growth will make it even better.
Jesse Young
Black Diamond City Council member
