When the Growth Management Act (GMA) was passed in 1990, it included 13 far-reaching goals to guide the development and adoption of comprehensive plans and development regulations.
The goals discourage sprawling development, encourage development in urban areas with adequate public facilities, encourage economic development throughout the state consistent with comprehensive plans, encourage efficient multimodal transportation systems, provide for the protection of property rights, and require that adequate public facilities and services necessary to support development be available when new development is ready for occupancy. Many of these planning goals directly relate to specific planning requirements in the act. In 1995, a 14th goal on shoreline management was added to the GMA.
The goals are not ranked in any order with one goal having more importance over others. When local governments develop their plans and regulations, they determine how the goals will be carried out.
GMA goals guide local jurisdictions in determining their vision for the future and in developing plans and regulations that provide for growth without sacrificing the livability of communities in the future.
Nearly all local governments required to prepare plans under the GMA have completed their first plans under the act. They are carrying out plan goals and policies to manage growth for a 20-year planning period in their communities. The results of growth management are now being seen in the state.
One of the GMA goals in Renton’s comprehensive plan is to encourage the use of public transportation.
A GMA goal Franklin County is keeping agricultural lands in production.
Olympia is offering attractive, affordable housing to reach GMA goals.
A GMA goal in Seattle is to increase affordable housing opportunities.
Providing public services for growing populations, such as sewage treatment, is one of the goals of the GMA.
Managing growth along shorelines is one of the goals of the GMA.