Busting the Housing Myths: The Real Story About Growth in Woodinville
You’ve probably seen the scary billboards or fear-based flyers. “Towers, Taxes, and Traffic!” they scream — like the plot of a bad horror movie.
But the truth? It’s simpler. And more hopeful. I’m Michelle Evans, and I’m running for re-election on Woodinville City Council because our community deserves honest answers, not scare tactics. So today, I’m setting the record straight on five of the biggest housing myths being spread around town.
Myth #1: Towers, Traffic, and Taxes
Fearmongering to freeze progress. FACT: No one’s building skyscrapers. What we’re actually doing is planning smarter, more livable neighborhoods — not turning into Bellevue. We’re talking about: Backyard cottages
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
Duplexes, triplexes, and mixed-use buildings — where local shops, restaurants, and housing can thrive together.
The truth is: land is one of the biggest drivers of housing costs. When we use land better, we create more housing choices — without losing the charm or character of Woodinville.
Get your free, downloadable graphic to battle disinformation online.
Myth #2: Require Affordable Housing Everywhere
A tricky soundbite designed to kill smart solutions. FACT: Affordability doesn’t come from slapping mandates on every single lot. It comes from offering more choices through flexible, proven housing strategies. Here’s what works: Allowing backyard cottages and ADUs
Legalizing duplexes, triplexes, and quads where it makes sense
Adding homes near trails, transit, parks, and shops
These tools help us meet demand, keep prices down, and respect neighborhood character — all at once.
Myth #3: If We Do Nothing, We Get to Stay the Same
Inaction won’t preserve the past. FACT: Growth isn’t optional — it’s state law. If we don’t make a plan, the state will make one for us. Smart planning now means local control stays local. It means shaping growth to match our values instead of letting outside forces decide for us. Doing nothing isn’t neutral. It’s a decision to give up our say in Woodinville’s future.
Myth #4: More Housing Will Ruin Our Neighborhoods
Actually… it helps them thrive. FACT: Middle housing — things like duplexes, townhomes, and ADUs — creates options that help keep families together and neighbors connected. These are the kinds of homes our teachers, nurses, first responders, and retired neighbors need. And the demand is already rising — Woodinville is seeing a real uptick in permit requests for this kind of housing. The data’s clear: middle housing strengthens communities. It doesn’t destroy them.
Myth #5: Affordability Will Fix Itself
Luxury builds itself — affordability doesn’t. FACT: Without leadership, developers will keep building luxury homes — because that’s where the profit is. And when that’s the only thing being built, more neighbors get priced out. There’s no magic wand. Real solutions take data, community input, public-private partnerships, and the courage to act. That’s why I’m here — doing the work, not yelling from the sidelines.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t about slogans or scare tactics. It’s about people — and whether Woodinville remains a welcoming place for families, seniors, and the people who serve this community every day. I’m choosing leadership. And I hope you’ll stand with me. Let’s build a Woodinville where:
- Kids can afford to move back
- Seniors can age in place
- Workers don’t have to commute an hour just to be part of our city
Watch the video & share the cheat sheet: www.Michelle4Woodinville.com/5Myths Sign up, volunteer, or chip in to support a campaign built on truth, not fear. Because housing isn’t a wedge issue — it’s a human one.
