This month: Adopting Critical Areas Ordinances by Reference Guidebook, CHIP grants updates, upcoming events
New guidebook: Adopting Critical Areas Ordinances by Reference
Periodic Update Grants available for 2027 jurisdictions
Jurisdictions with periodic updates due in 2027 can apply now for Periodic Update Grants from Commerce. Please use this online form to apply. Application materials and instructions can be found on the GMA Grants webpage.
Jurisdictions with due dates in 2026 will be contacted by their regional planner.
Periodic Update Grants provide noncompetitive funding to assist cities and counties in updating their comprehensive plans and development regulations consistent with the Growth Management Act.
Available funding is determined by population and whether the jurisdiction is fully or partially planning under the GMA.
For questions, contact your regional planner.
 Housing updates
CHIP grants open to applications July 16
The next round of Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP) grants will open to applications July 16. Competitive funding will be available as follows:
- $55 million for all jurisdictions
- $30 million for small jurisdictions
- $5 million for a pilot program in Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties
Application materials will be available on the GMA Grants webpage beginning July 16.
Workshop: Commerce will host a CHIP application workshop at 1 p.m. July 10. Register for the workshop. Attendance is not required to apply.
Created in 2021, CHIP helps local governments create affordable housing by reducing or covering costs associated with water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure. Learn more on Commerce’s CHIP webpage.
Housing laws list is updated
Commerce has updated its overview of housing planning laws to reflect changes from the 2025 legislative session. It covers changes since 2019.
Climate updates
New revenue tool can clarify TDR/LCLIP decisions
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) is a market-based mechanism that encourages the voluntary transfer of growth from areas a community wants to conserve to urban areas where growth should be encouraged, consistent with Growth Management Act goals.
Commerce recently published a TDR revenue projection tool to help local governments explore how TDR could shape growth in their communities.
 Screenshot for example view of the Transfer of Development Rights Revenue and Growth Planning Tool.
The tool is intended for illustrative purposes to help planners, community members, and decision makers think through policy choices.
For questions on the new TDR revenue tool, contact Angela San Filippo, [email protected].
From our partners
DOH shares guidance on using Environmental Health Disparities map
The Environmental Health Disparities map is a tool agencies can use to meet the environmental health cumulative impact analysis requirement under several acts, as a starting place to determine “overburdened” or “highly impacted” communities.
The Department of Health published its first guidance document on using the map. The guidance outlines how the map’s data can be accessed and used, along with limitations.
For questions, contact [email protected].
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MRSC highlights best practices in public engagement
The Municipal Research and Services Center recently compiled an inventory of tools, tips and best practices for planners to support better public engagement.
MRSC looked at examples from Mountlake Terrace, Everett, Olympia and other cities for tips including mobile-friendly design, interactive mapping platforms, translation and more to support broader participation in planning processes.
Read the full article: Expanding Public Participation in Planning Using Digital Tools.
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Survey seeks insight on climate preparedness in the Puget Sound
The Puget Sound Climate Preparedness Collaborative (Collaborative) is conducting a community needs survey to better understand how local governments, tribes and organizations across the Puget Sound area are preparing for the impacts of climate change and what support is needed.
Your input will help shape technical assistance and learning programs, ensuring the work is responsive to local needs. Please consider taking the survey that best fits your organization. It takes about 15 minutes.
For tribes and tribal organizations: Tribal Community Needs Survey
For local governments and related organizations: Community Needs Survey
Please email [email protected] with any questions or requests for additional information.
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Upcoming events
Regional Planners’ Forums
The Washington State Department of Commerce, Planning Association of Washington, and Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association collaboratively present the Regional Planners’ Forums.
The Planners’ Forums offer a free opportunity for planners, planning commissioners, elected officials and community members to talk informally about local issues, share ideas and receive updates from state and federal agencies.
The Planners’ Forums also satisfy requirements for credentialed planners toward professional development.
Northwest Planners’ Forum: June 26 | In-person in Whatcom County | Register here
Take survey: If you have attended a Regional Planners’ Forum or are considering doing so, Commerce invites you to take our 2025 survey. This survey will help Commerce determine training needs for the upcoming year.
The 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, 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.
Our regular online courses resume in September. Check out our Short Course webpage for more information. Meanwhile, Commerce is partnering with Whitman County to host an in-person/hybrid course later this month. Attend in person or register for the .
In-person/hybrid courses:
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