Washington’s pioneering growth-management tools, financial incentives, and regulatory requirements are offering lessons for other states aiming to spur local climate action.
A new article in Weather, Climate, and Society — co-authored by Commerce planners and partners — highlights lessons learned from implementation of HB 1181 (Chapter 228, Laws of 2023), which added a climate goal to the Growth Management Act. The paper outlines how Commerce’s planning guidance and grants are helping cities and counties:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled
- Build resilience to wildfires, floods, and other climate-driven hazards
- Engage diverse stakeholders and sustain partnerships for long-term action
Read Mainstreaming Equitable Climate Action through Growth Management Planning in Washington State, United States for more details.
Co-authors include Commerce’s Michael Burnham, Sarah Fox, and Pranjali Rai, along with BERK Consulting and Cascadia Consulting Group.
Commerce concluded its HB 1181 rulemaking this fall and will publish updated climate planning guidance in December. Learn more on our climate planning guidance webpage.