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Growth Management
The mission of Growth Management Services (GMS) is to assist and guide local governments, state agencies, and others to manage growth and development, consistent with the Growth Management Act (GMA).
The GMA was adopted to address ways to accommodate growth. It requires that the fastest-growing cities and counties complete comprehensive plans and development regulations to guide future growth. All jurisdictions are required to protect critical environmental areas and conserve natural resource lands, such as farms and forests. The GMA calls for communities to review and, if necessary, revise their plans and regulations every eight years to ensure they remain up-to-date.
Services we provide: Direct Assistance, Grants, Training and Education, Guidebooks, Review of counties and cities proposed GMA implementation actions, State Coordination to facilitate GMA-related state agency activities and services to local governments, Governor’s Smart Communities Awards program.
Growth Management Staff Contact Information and Regional Assistance Map
Current News
The Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce) will be nominating up to ten cities or counties for the Transportation Improvement Boards’ (TIB) “Complete Streets Award”. Completed applications for nomination are due electronically to Commerce by October 1, 2021. For additional information please reach out to Kirsten Larsen at (360) 280-0320 or kirsten.larsen@commerce.wa.gov Jurisdictions with current populations of 10,000 or less are encouraged to apply. TIB should make the final grant awards (between $100,000 and $1,000,000) in January 2022.
The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) has revised their Critical Aquifer Recharge Area Guidance document. Ecology invites public review and comment from March 10 to May 7, 2021. Please visit the CARA webpage for information on how to provide your input.
Growth Management Services is reviewing and updating the administrative rules for the Growth Management Act. For more information visit our EZ View site: Growth Management Act WAC Update
The Washington State Department of Commerce’s Guidebook: Incentivizing Low Impact Development (LID) Beyond Permit Requirements presents ways that local governments can incentivize developers to voluntarily incorporate LID on projects in urban growth centers. For more information…
Key Topics
Growth Management
Governor’s Smart Communities Awards Program
GMA Laws and Rules
GMA Periodic Update
Growth Management Grants
Growth Management Topics
Guidebooks and Resources
Civilian-Military Compatibility
Defense Community Compatibility
Regional Planners’ Forums
Sea-Tac Airport Effects Study
Short Course on Local Planning
Submitting Materials to the State for Review
GMA Periodic Update Information
Every county and city in the state is required to conduct a periodic update. Available resources: Guidebook, Update Schedule, Checklists for Counties and Cities.
Short Course on Local Planning
Short Course Schedule, Guidebook, Training for Open Public Meetings Act, Short Course Video
Regional Planners' Forums
For planners, planning commissioners, elected officials, and community members to learn about an array of timely and relevant planning subjects, receive updates from state and federal agencies on land use issues.
Submitting Materials to State for Review
Each county and city planning under GMA is required to notify Commerce when adopting or permanently amending its comprehensive plans and/or development regulations.