Of long-standing interest to cities, an extension to the mandatory Growth Management Act (GMA) comprehensive plan updates from eight to ten years has finally been introduced in HB 1241, sponsored by Rep. Davina Duerr (D–Bothell). AWC expects the proposal to be considered by the Legislature as it decides if this is the year to increase local planning requirements under the GMA. AWC would greatly appreciate feedback from cities on the relative value of this change in offsetting the costs or challenges of the other proposals on climate, housing, and salmon recovery.

AWC would greatly appreciate feedback from cities on the relative value of this change in offsetting the costs or challenges of the other proposals on climate, housing, and salmon recovery.

As detailed below, HB 1241 also requires development of an implementation plan for the comprehensive plan and mid-point progress report. We would also value your feedback on whether the new reporting requirement would erode the benefit of the longer update cycle.

“In exchange” for the longer update cycle, the bill proposes the following new responsibilities for cities:

• Every five years cities must provide a progress report to the Department of Commerce that includes milestones, measures, and criteria established by rulemaking on at least these topics:
  • Housing affordability and availability;
  • Permit processing timelines;
  • Protection of critical areas and use of best available science;
  • Achievement of any required reductions in greenhouse gas or vehicle miles traveled;
  • Response to any statutory changes since the last update.
• Cities covered by the Buildable Lands requirements must also report on progress under those plans.
• Within one year of adoption of a comprehensive plan, cities with a population over 7,500 must develop an annual comprehensive plan implementation schedule that includes:
  • The development regulations and non-regulatory measures, including financing plans, in the upcoming year; and
  • Measures which have been considered and acted upon in the reporting year.

Date to remember

HB 1241 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Local Government Committee on Wednesday, February 3 at 10 am.