Transportation Planning

The GMA requires the transportation element to implement and be consistent with the land use element. Counties and cities should use consistent land use assumptions, population forecasts, and planning periods for both elements. Coordination of the land use and transportation elements should be dynamic and iterative. There should be an ongoing feedback loop coordinating land use and transportation in the plan development and in local implementation.
The transportation element is also required to be consistent with state and regional plans.
The transportation element is certified by the regional transportation organization to ensure consistency with the regional transportation plan.
Concurrency
Under the GMA, concurrency is one of 14 goals local governments must consider in land use planning. Concurrency is intended to ensure public facilities and services are adequate to serve new development at the time of occupancy without decreasing service levels below locally established minimum standards.
Resources
- Washington State Department of Transportation – Transportation Efficient Communities: A web hub of information and resources to help cities and counties become ore transportation efficient.
- Your Community’s Transportation System (PDF): A guide to reviewing, updating and implementing your transportation element, 2012
- Washington State Department of Transportation GMA page
- MRSC Transportation Topic page
- Transportation Funding Sources in Washington State (PDF)
- Transit Oriented Development Planning Resources
Quick Links
- Growth Management
- Governor's Smart Communities Awards
- Climate Program
- Planning for Housing
- Laws and Rules - Growth Management Act
- Periodic Updates - Growth Management Act
- Growth Management Grants
- Growth Management Topics
- Guidebooks and Resources
- Civilian-Military Compatibility
- Defense Community Compatibility
- Integrated Stormwater and Watershed Planning
- Regional Planners' Forums
- Short Course on Local Planning
- Submitting Materials to the State
- Tribal Planning Coordination
Contact
Valerie Smith, AICP, Deputy Managing Director
Email: Valerie.Smith@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-259-0487