Survey now open to gather input on resources to guide communities in planning for development around Department of Defense and other military installations
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce is drafting a Washington State Guidebook on Military and Community Compatibility as a technical resource for local governments to use in planning for development near military installations. An online survey is now available to capture opinions and comments from communities to inform the project.
Commerce teamed with MAKERS Architecture and Urban Design LLP to draft the guidebook, due for final publication in June 2019. The guidebook is intended to foster awareness and understanding around the topic of civilian-military land use compatibility, provide technical guidance to planning professionals, and offer useful tools to help community members, local governments and the military work together on local planning.
“The military and defense sector is an important driver of Washington’s economy, supporting over 111,000 jobs and $12.3 billion in economic impact throughout the state,” said Commerce Director Brian Bonlender. “Robust public engagement is crucial to ensure that growth and development in and around U.S Department of Defense and state military installations takes place in a manner that benefits communities for years to come.”
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Fairchild Air Force Base, Yakima Training Center, Naval Base Kitsap, Naval Station Everett, Naval Air Station Whidbey, Outlying Field Coupeville, Manchester Fuel Depot, Naval Magazine Indian Island and other locations are noted in the survey.
The guidebook will introduce compatible use for a large audience, followed by in-depth technical guidance on civilian-military compatibility for planning professionals. The guidebook organizes topics in three main parts:
Part 1: A Citizen’s Guide to the Principles of Compatibility Planning
- Balancing Community Vision and Military Mission
- Balancing Growth and Change with Compatibility
- Citizen’s Guide to Compatibility and Planning in Washington State
Part 2: A Technical Guide to the Principles of Compatibility Planning
- Compatibility Planning Process
- Coordinated Planning Goals
- Growth Management Act (GMA) Goals, Comprehensive Plans and Compatibility
- Areas of Conflict and Opportunity
- Compatibility Programs and Strategies
Part 3: Implementation Toolkit for Compatibility Planning
- Policy Quick-Reference Guide
- Worksheets and Examples
- Consultation Quick-Reference Guide
- Compatibility Glossary
Commerce is seeking broad input with the survey at this stage in development. A draft guidebook will be published for formal public comment in early spring 2019. To stay informed on outreach events and other developments for the Washington State Guidebook on Military and Community Compatibility, please subscribe to our mailing list.
Access the survey here. For more information, visit the program webpage: http://bit.ly/2pu0Nxb
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Media contact: Penny Thomas, (206) 256-6106, penny.thomas@commerce.wa.gov