Build in Bothell

Connect with Bothell leaders to explore development opportunities, tackle barriers and help shape solutions that move projects forward.

Join Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC), in partnership with the City of Bothell, on Thursday, November 12, for Build in Bothell. This interactive working session brings together developers, property owners, businesses, commercial real estate professionals, City leadership, and state and local legislators to explore bold, district-scale ideas for Bothell and the permitting, zoning, and infrastructure barriers standing in the way.

Bothell continues to offer significant opportunities for investment and development, but bringing a project from possibility to reality can involve complex questions around permitting, zoning, infrastructure, transportation, utilities, and site readiness. The program opens with a brief look at Bothell’s current development pipeline, growth priorities, and near-term opportunities: the case for why to build here.

Rather than a traditional panel or presentation, attendees will take part in facilitated roundtable discussions. A state legislator and an EASC/City of Bothell facilitator will be seated at every table. Together you’ll have a candid, constructive conversation about what Bothell could become, what is getting in the way today, and how we could work together to make it real.

Discussion Topics

Each table will focus on one of three themes, pairing a bold vision with the practical barriers that stand in its way:

Moonshot / Bold District Ideas
What marquee campus, innovation-district, or anchor-tenant ideas could make Bothell a premier destination for ambitious, mixed-use development? What’s stopping ideas like these from happening today: zoning, permitting, financing, or something else?

Infrastructure & Opportunities
How could partnerships, flexible zoning, or transfer of development rights unlock the power, water, and transportation infrastructure that district-scale development near transit needs? Where do current infrastructure capacity or processes most limit what can be built in Bothell today?

Connection Districts
What would it take to build districts that connect education, workforce, housing, and mobility, and that strengthen the pipeline from Bothell’s schools and colleges into local jobs? What’s the biggest barrier today to building that kind of connected, mixed-use district?

Your Experience Can Help Shape What Comes Next

Each table will leave with one vision to move forward and one barrier the City and state legislators could help clear. Tables will share these with the full room during the closing report-out.

Feedback gathered during Build in Bothell will help EASC and the City identify common themes and inform a Build in Bothell Legislative & Policy Priorities Memo ahead of the 2027 Washington State legislative session. It’s an opportunity for the development community to bring real-world experiences and barriers directly to City leaders and legislators while there is still time to shape priorities.

Attendees will also receive a Bothell Development Snapshot covering zoning, permitting timelines, utility and infrastructure capacity, and a brief site-readiness and pre-application guide. Anyone who wants a follow-up meeting with City permitting or economic development staff can request one at the event.

Who Should Attend?

Build in Bothell is designed for professionals actively working with properties, projects, or development opportunities in and around Bothell, including:

• Developers and builders
• Property owners and investors
• Businesses considering expansion or investment
• Commercial real estate brokers and professionals
• Economic development and community partners
• Elected officials and public-sector leaders

Whether you have an active project, have a big idea for Bothell’s future, or want to better understand what it takes to build and invest here, we want your perspective at the table. Come with your biggest ideas and let’s make it work!

Event Details

Thursday, November 12, 2026
Check-in, light refreshments, and networking: 1:45 p.m.
Program: 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Innovation Hall, UW Bothell / Cascadia College campus, 18345 Campus Way NE, Bothell, WA 98011
An optional guided tour of Innovation Hall will follow from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m.

This event is free to attend. Space is intentionally limited to support meaningful roundtable conversations, and registration is required.