Commerce provides guidance, grants and direct assistance to help local governments comply with requirements of the Growth Management Act. This page links to specific topics relevant to communities planning under GMA.
Periodic Update
This page is dedicated to the Growth Management Act Periodic Update. We post checklists, guidance documents and other GMA related support materials here on a regular basis to help local governments with their reviews
GMA Laws and Rules
The Washington State Growth Management Act requires cities and counties to develop comprehensive plans and development regulations for their communities. This page serves as a […]
GMA Grants
Growth Management Services often has opportunities to fund community planning and development. This page contains information on open grants and current funding cycles for local governments.
Local Project Review
The Local Project Review Act was established in 1995 as the statewide framework for local government land use planning review and development permitting. Fundamental land […]
5-Year Implementation Progress Report
During the 2021-22 legislative session HB 1241 was adopted into law and codified as part of the Growth Management Act. This bill changed the comprehensive […]
Transportation Planning
The Growth Management Act (GMA) requires the transportation element to implement and be consistent with the land use element. Counties and cities should use consistent […]
Capital Facilities Planning
Capital facilities plans can help your jurisdiction use its limited funding wisely and most efficiently to maximize your funding opportunities. By planning ahead to determine […]
Civilian-Military Land Use Compatibility
Growth Management Services supports civilian-military communication in local planning as a critical means of identifying community and military interests in future land-use development.
Defense Community Compatibility Account (DCCA)
The 2019 Legislature created the Defense Community Compatibility Account (DCCA) with to support necessary infrastructure and support compatible land use and infrastructure near military installations […]
GMS Mediation Services
The GMS Mediation Services program offered by Growth Management Services provides support for resolving disputes that arise during planning. Mediation Services provides two main categories […]
Dash Point and Browns Point Incorporation Study
In 2024, the Legislature formally requested that the Washington State Department of Commerce study the impacts of incorporating the unincorporated communities of Dash Point and […]