Principal Legislative Analyst; Land Use; King County Council

Applications will be reviewed as received and interviews may begin the first week of December. We encourage you to apply early. UPDATE 11/3/2026:
Applications will be reviewed as received and interviews may begin the first week of December. We encourage you to apply early. The Metropolitan King County Council is seeking a Principal Legislative Analyst with primary policy areas of growth management, land use, comprehensive and regional planning, zoning current planning, and development regulations. This position is a member of a team responsible for leading or conducting objective and non-biased legislative, policy, fiscal, and operations analysis for the Metropolitan King County Council and its committees.

The policy team's goal is to provide high-quality, nonpartisan and objective analyses of policy proposals for council members to consider when making policy decisions--maintaining personal neutrality is a must for this position.

King County is becoming a global leader whose continued excellence and diverse population is a driving force in the Pacific Northwest. As the legislative branch of county government, the King County Council represents nine geographical regions of the county, sets policies, enacts laws, and adopts budgets that guide an array of services.

At King County Council, we are committed to upholding and promoting equal opportunity in employment. The Council encourages people of all backgrounds, cultures, and religions to apply, including veterans, people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities. A diverse workforce is a strong workforce.

The Principal Legislative Analyst will perform the duties and responsibilities of lower-level classifications within the Legislative Analyst Series and will also:

• Conduct objective, non-biased qualitative and quantitative analysis of legislation, plans and proposals in order to identify legislative and executive intent, anticipated direct and indirect results, and alternatives. Work with legal staff to identify legal issues, impacts and risks.
• Prepare GIS maps and conduct basic GIS analysis for land use, transportation, financial, and/or equity and social justice policies.
• Provide analysis and counsel on complex subject-specific matter involving strategic direction, policy, organizational, and operational issues.
• Prepare and present staff reports and briefings in a clear, concise, logical and objective manner, both orally and in writing – summarizing and clearly articulating analytic findings, issues, and alternatives for elected officials and the public.
• Initiate, coordinate, and conduct research and analysis of legislation referred to the Council on specific policy and fiscal matters, including new ideas and legislation. Identify legislative and executive intent on highly complex proposals.
• Specify research design and outcomes.
• Participate in external committees such as those comprised of departmental staff, interdepartmental staff, and interagency staff, to stay up-to-date on proceedings, performance, trends, and issues.
• Meet with assigned mentee(s) on a regular basis providing mentorship and coaching

• Prepare and present staff reports and briefings for council committees. Summarize intent, outline background information, analyze important issues, identify legal issues, impacts and risks. Prepare pertinent attachments and illustrations.
• Draft legislation and amendments as required for council consideration. Review for compliance with professional and technical standards.
• Review annual budget proposals, engage in discussions about policy intent and expected outcomes, analyze issues, and develop options.

A full description of the job duties can be found here:

Position:
Principal Legislative Analyst

The most successful applicants will possess the following experience, knowledge, and skills:

• Extensive specialized professional knowledge of the Growth Management Act (GMA), the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), comprehensive plans, land use codes, permitting and GIS mapping software.
• Long-range land use planning, policy interpretation, and zoning and development regulations knowledge.
• Deep knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply relevant sections of local, regional, state, and federal mandates and programs related to planning, housing, land use, development, and the environment. Knowledge of the King County…