Commerce kicks off civilian-military compatibility planning project, names consultant
MAKERS Architecture and Urban Design to develop Washington State Guidebook for Military and Community Compatibility
Olympia, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce announced today that independent consulting firm MAKERS Architecture and Urban Design, LLP will develop a Washington State Guidebook for Military and Community Compatibility. MAKERS, which has offices in Seattle and San Diego, Calif., will help Commerce develop written guidance and technical assistance tools for communities across the state where growth management and land use planning involve military operating areas.
The forthcoming guidebook and associated outreach is an important part of Commerce’s ongoing support for local growth management planning efforts in and around our state’s military operating areas.
“Our military and defense sector is a key driver of Washington’s economy and a primary employer in many areas,” said Commerce Director Brian Bonlender. “Providing consistent guidance and effective tools for civilian-military compatible land use planning strengthen these communities by helping them achieve their goals.” said Commerce Director Brian Bonlender.
The guidebook will include information for community members and technical assistance resources for jurisdictions that plan in accordance with the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA). Content will address challenges and opportunities related to balancing the military’s need to operate safely and community interests within a shared landscape.
Commerce and the consultant will adopt a project team outreach plan in July 2018, and begin stakeholder engagement in August to scope and develop a draft guidebook that will be released for public comment in early spring 2019. The project team will use stakeholder feedback to revise the draft and publish the final guidebook by July 1, 2019.
Funding for this project is provided through a Compatible Use grant of $497,000 from the Department of Defense (DOD) Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) with $100,000 in Commerce matching funds.
For more information, please visit the program webpage: http://bit.ly/2pu0Nxb
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Contact: Penny Thomas, Commerce Press Office, (206) 256-6106