HB 1357, sponsored by Rep. Beth Doglio (D–Olympia), would eliminate the referendum provision on the irregular island method of annexation.

These provisions stymie the long-range growth management plans that anticipate urban growth area annexations into cities. An annexation referendum allows a narrow subset of residents to “veto” community growth needs – outweighing the rights of city residents to not subsidize services for the county residents who live within the island.

This bill is from the City of Lacey and AWC will testify in support.

Dates to remember

HB 1357 will be heard on Tuesday, January 29 at 10 am in the House Local Government Committee.