Growth Management Act

The Growth Management Act (GMA) initially adopted by the State of Washington Legislature addresses changes that result from growth.  The GMA requires the state's largest and fastest-growing counties, and each of their cities and towns to plan activities such as population growth, suburban sprawl, and damage occurring to natural resources and environmentally critical areas due to those factors.  Simply put, GMA requires that "quality of life" questions be answered as a part of planning for future growth in our community.

SRTC is responsible for evaluating the land use and transportation connection under Growth Management.

To be fully compliant with the Act, these guidelines are followed:

• Encourage urban development
• Reduce sprawl
• Encourage multi-modal transportation
• Encourage affordable housing
• Encourage economic development
• Protect property rights
• Keep the permits process fair and timely
• Encourage natural resource-based industries
• Conserve open space
• Protect the environment
• Encourage public involvement
• Ensure public facilities
• Encourage the preservation of historical sites

For more information on the Growth Management Act, click here.