Having trouble viewing this email? View it online [ [link removed] ]




Commerce Logo


May 16, 2024
Dog Mountain

Dog Mountain – Columbia River Gorge, Skamania County

Summer kicks off with the 2026 Periodic Update Workshop Series

The Growth Management Act requires local governments to update their comprehensive plans and development regulations every 10 years, which is commonly referred to as the periodic update cycle. Over the last two years, Commerce has partnered with the Puget Sound Regional Council [ [link removed] ] to support 2024 jurisdictions and with the Thurston Regional Planning Council [ [link removed] ] to support 2025 jurisdictions in their periodic updates. Jurisdictions typically start the process two years before their due date.

Starting this summer, Commerce is kicking off a new workshop series to help counties and cities with a 2026 periodic update [ [link removed] ], including Benton, Chelan, Cowlitz, Douglas, Franklin, Skamania, Spokane, Walla Walla and Yakima counties.

*Periodic update kickoff event:*


* 10 a.m.-12 p.m. June 12.
* Register for the workshop series on Zoom [ [link removed] ]

Please forward the 2026 Periodic Update kickoff flyer (PDF) [ [link removed] ] to fellow 2026 jurisdictions and any interested community organizations that might wish to attend. Please note, jurisdictions not due in 2026 are still welcome and encouraged to attend. Workshops focus on a variety of topics, including new legislation and changes to guidance from the last workshop session. We will keep you updated on future workshops in our monthly newsletters and online at our Periodic Update webpage [ [link removed] ].

For questions, contact Suzanne Austin <[email protected]>, AICP senior planner.

Housing update:

AHAB Report

The Washington State Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB), which advises the Department of Commerce on housing and housing-related issues, recently published its 2023 – 2028 Affordable Housing Advisory Plan (PDF) [ [link removed] ]. The plan documents the need for affordable housing in the state and the extent to which that need is being met through public and private sector programs.

The plan also provides information on barriers to meeting housing needs, and recommendations for legislative actions or program changes that can help address persistent barriers to affordable housing production and meet the housing needs of Washington residents.

*Key report recommendations:*

The plan outlines more than 50 recommendations to address barriers to affordable housing production, including:


* Increasing funding
* Streamlining administrative and regulatory processes
* Supporting construction job training
* Promoting new types of housing
* Supporting homeownership for low- and moderate-income families
* Steps to prevent the loss of existing affordable housing
* Protections for people living in manufactured home communities

*County profiles provide local insights*

Housing profiles of each of Washington's counties [ [link removed] ] are included in the report. These profiles are designed to support local planning and provide an understanding of housing conditions, trends, and projected needs. By examining a county's specific challenges and resources, policymakers and local officials can better address unique needs of their communities.

*About AHAB*

The Affordable Housing Advisory Board advises the Department of Commerce and the Legislature on actions to address the housing needs of all Washington residents. Board members represent a diverse range of housing professionals and advocates with expertise on various aspects of the housing system. For more information and to sign up for updates, visit the Affordable Housing Board’s website [ [link removed] ].

STEP Model Ordinance and User’s Guide comment period has started

The *draft STEP Model Ordinance and User’s Guide* are available for your review until* June 14, 2024. *


* Draft STEP Model Ordinance, User Guide and Best Practices Report (PDF) [ [link removed] ]

*To submit comments on these materials, complete *this Smartsheet form [ [link removed] ]. Comments will be reviewed for inclusion in a final version of Commerce guidance to be released in July 2024.

In 2021, the Legislature changed the way communities are required to plan for housing, including requiring that cities allow emergency shelters, transitional housing, emergency housing, and permanent supportive housing, or STEP housing, within their jurisdictional boundaries (RCW 35A.21.430 [ [link removed] ], RCW 35.21.683 [ [link removed] ]). Additionally, all fully planning counties and cities must provide sufficient land capacity for their future emergency housing and permanent supportive housing needs and make adequate provisions for these needs (RCW 36.70A.070(2) [ [link removed] ]).

For any additional questions, please contact Laura Hodgson <[email protected]>, housing planning and data manager.

________________________________________________________________________



Annual Association of Washington Cities Conference

The AWC Annual Conference [ [link removed] ] will be June 18-21 in Vancouver. In addition to leading sessions on Broadband on June 19 and STEP Housing on June 20, Commerce will hold open office hours at our booth to assist local governments in several areas, including:


* Broadband expansion [ [link removed] ]
* Planning for climate resilience and mitigation
* Planning for middle housing and STEP housing
* Periodic updates for comprehensive planning
* Details on current and upcoming Commerce funding [ [link removed] ]

Our staff will be available to answer questions and support you throughout the conference. We look forward to seeing you in June.

________________________________________________________________________



GSCA deadline extended: Nominations are due June 15, 2024

In March, Commerce announced the start of the 2024 Governor’s Smart Community Awards [ [link removed] ] application window. We are still seeking applications and will extend the nomination window until June 15. Submit one of the following forms for a project you think deserves special recognition.


* Cover form – Guidelines for qualifying (Word) [ [link removed] ]
* Smart Vision Award (Word) [ [link removed] ]
* Smart Projects Award (Word) [ [link removed] ]
* Smart Partnerships Award (Word) [ [link removed] ]
* Smart Housing Strategies Award (Word) [ [link removed] ]
* Smart Equity Strategies Award (Word) [ [link removed] ]
* Smart Climate Change Strategies Award (Word) [ [link removed] ]

The GSCA program recognizes outstanding efforts of local communities and their partners throughout the state to create vibrant and livable communities through Growth Management Act planning and other community development objectives. The GSCA program is administered by the Department of Commerce. For questions or comments, please contact Valerie Smith <[email protected]>, GSCA program manager.

________________________________________________________________________



Funding updates

2026 PUG Grants

Commerce announced awards for 2026 Periodic Update Grants (PUG) for jurisdictions in central and eastern Washington. The new application instructions and form are available on the GMS Grants Webpage [ [link removed] ], and you can access the application in SmartSheet [ [link removed] ]. It offers grantees the opportunity to select a template scope of work or create their own.

PUG grants assist local jurisdictions in completing work to review and, as needed, revise comprehensive plan and development regulations. Grant awards are based on population size and are non-competitive. Fully and partially planning cities and counties are eligible.

For questions, contact Paul Johnson <[email protected]>, operations support manager.

Consolidated Permit Review Grant

Commerce is still accepting applications for our consolidated permit review grant through the end of May. Grants of up to $187,500 will be provided to aid local government in streamlining residential building permit review and to help remove barriers to housing development. A*pplications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, May 31. *


* Grant application instructions [ [link removed] ]
* Grant application (Smartsheet intake form) [ [link removed] ]

Please contact senior planners Jo Anne Wright <[email protected]> or Catherine McCoy <[email protected]> with questions, or learn more on our Local Project Review webpage [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________



Rai Pranjali
Growth Management staff update

Pranjali Rai

Please welcome our newest senior planner, Pranjali Rai. A part of the Climate and Ecosystems Section, Pranjali helps evaluate climate action strategies and their potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. She also supports local governments with climate related research.

Pranjali is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Washington, where her research primarily focuses on climate action and resilience development in small urban areas and rural counties. She is an American Planning Association-certified planner and holds a dual master’s degree in community planning and architecture from the University of Maryland. She previously consulted as an urban planner and designer on multiple sub-area planning efforts for municipal governments in the New England region.



________________________________________________________________________



Upcoming events

Regional Planners’ Forums

The Planners’ Forums are quarterly events held regionally across Washington in partnership with the Washington APA [ [link removed] ] and the Planners Association of Washington [ [link removed] ]. Each one features guest speakers discussing planning related topics in association with the guidelines set down by the American Planning Association [ [link removed] ]. While regionally focused, the forums are typically on Zoom and available for statewide attendance.

*Northwest Washington Spring Planners’ Forum (NWPF)*


* 9-11:15 a.m. Thursday, May 30
* Register for Spring Planners’ Forum (Zoom) [ [link removed] ]
* Agenda (PDF) [ [link removed] ]

Individuals needing American Planning Association (AICP) [ [link removed] ] credits will receive credits for attending based on topics covered. Learn more about Commerce’s regional forums at the Growth Management Planners' Forum webpage [ [link removed] ].

Short Course on Local Planning

The Short Course on Local Planning offers an overview of land use planning laws in Washington, an introduction to comprehensive planning and plan implementation under the Growth Management Act (GMA), and a review of roles in planning and mandatory training on the Open Public Meetings Act for local government officials. All courses are online, free and open to the public.

*Online Virtual Short Courses:*


* 1-4 p.m. June 25
* Register for Short Course on Local Planning (Zoom) [ [link removed] ]

Ask about local presentations

Commerce also offers e-visits to local planning commissions or other meetings. Topics include comprehensive plan basics and roles in the planning process. Contact your regional planner [ [link removed] ] to request a presentation.

________________________________________________________________________



Job opportunities

Senior Planner for Housing (COM 3)

Growth Management Services is hiring a senior planner for our housing team to help implement new infill housing laws, such as middle housing, accessory dwelling units, and transit-oriented development. The position will help review and comment on local comprehensive plans and development regulations related to housing and manage housing-related contracts including working with consultants to develop support materials for local governments.

View the opportunity online [ [link removed] ]






Stay connected

subscribe [ [link removed] ]twitter [ [link removed] ]facebook [ [link removed] ]


About Commerce

Commerce works with local governments, businesses, community-based organizations and tribes to strengthen communities. The department’s diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and effective public and private partnerships promote sustainable community and economic development to help all Washingtonians thrive. For more information, visit [link removed]. For information on locating or expanding a business in Washington, visit choosewashingtonstate.com [ [link removed] ].

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ].

This service is provided to you at no charge by Washington Department of Commerce [ [link removed] ].

Subscribe [ [link removed] ] | Manage Preferences [ [link removed] ] | Unsubscribe All [ [link removed] ] | Help [ [link removed] ] | Contact us [ [link removed] ]





This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Washington State Department of Commerce · 1011 Plum Street SE, P.O. Box 42525 · Olympia, WA 98504-2525 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]