This month: Climate element guidance, new housing laws, important deadlines



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Oct. 15, 2025
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Planners’ Monthly Newsletter – October 2025

*This month: Climate element guidance, new housing laws, important deadlines*

Planning for climate change: Commerce seeks feedback on climate element guidance

The Department of Commerce is seeking feedback as it finalizes guidance designed to help communities plan for the impacts of climate change.

Climate Element Planning Guidance cover

[ [link removed] ]Commerce will accept public comment on the final Climate Element Planning Guidance document [ [link removed] ] through Nov. 15.

How to comment:


* Submit on the online comment form [ [link removed] ]
* Email [email protected]
* Join office hours Nov. 3 [ [link removed] ]

Updates to the Growth Management Act (GMA) passed in 2023, require counties and cities to add a climate element to their comprehensive plans. The guidance document is designed to assist cities and counties through a step-by-step process to develop and adopt a climate element.

The final Climate Element Planning Guidance is the third iteration of guidance to be released by Commerce and incorporates previous public comment, changes to statewide rulemaking, and changes to federal programs and resources.

For questions, contact Ananda Gordon-Peabody at [email protected].

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Periodic Update Grants available for 2027 jurisdictions – apply by Oct. 17

Jurisdictions with periodic updates due in 2027 can apply for periodic update grants until Oct. 17. These non-competitive grants assist local governments to complete the required updates to their development regulations and comprehensive plans as outlined in RCW 36.70A.130(5). [ [link removed] ] Application materials— including the application manual [ [link removed] ], Smartsheet instructions [ [link removed] ] and the application form [ [link removed] ]— are available on the GMA Grants webpage [ [link removed] ].

For questions, contact Ashley Murphy at [email protected].

*Housing updates*

Housing Accountability Act: Draft Selected Review Procedures open for public comment

The Legislature adopted the Housing Accountability Act [ [link removed] ] (HAA) in 2025, creating voluntary and selected review processes for local housing elements and related development regulations (RCW 36.70A.835 [ [link removed] ]).

Commerce may select up to 10 cities or counties a year for review. If a jurisdiction’s housing element and regulations are found to be inconsistent with state law, the jurisdiction:


* Must work with Commerce to make changes
* May not deny affordable or moderate-income housing development
* May be ineligible for certain state infrastructure grants and loans

The Draft Selected Review Criteria and Procedures [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ]document is ready for public review. Please provide feedback on this document by Nov. 14 by emailing Laura Hodgson at [email protected].

Commerce will hold a virtual public comment session at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, on Zoom. [ [link removed] ]

Preemption deadlines approaching

Four state housing statutes include implementation deadlines. Jurisdictions that do not adopt their own regulations by specified dates will be subject to preemption by state law or, in the case of middle housing, by Commerce’s model ordinance.


* Co-living statutes are to be adopted by Dec. 31, 2025. (RCW 36.70A.535 [ [link removed] ])
* Re-use of existing buildings for housing is due by June 30, 2026. (RCW 35A.21.440 [ [link removed] ] or RCW 35.21.990 [ [link removed] ])
* Accessory dwelling units due with comprehensive plan updates (RCW 36.70A.680 [ [link removed] ] and RCW 36.70A.681 [ [link removed] ])
* Middle housing due with comprehensive plan updates (RCW 36.70A.635 [ [link removed] ] and RCW 36.70A.636 [ [link removed] ])

View the Preemption fact sheet [ [link removed] ] and use the Housing Planning Requirements Tool [ [link removed] ] to determine which housing statutes apply to your community.

MFTE had biggest impact yet in 2024

The Multi-Family Housing Property Tax Exemption (MFTE) program saw its most impactful year yet. The 2024 MFTE Annual Report [ [link removed] ] is now available and details unprecedented participation with 89 new projects incentivizing the creation of more than 10,000 new housing units, roughly a quarter of which will be rent-restricted. Commerce also published the 2025 MFTE Legislative Updates Fact Sheet [ [link removed] ] highlighting updates to the program from the 2025 legislative session.

View both reports and other resources on Commerce’s MFTE webpage [ [link removed] ].

Alternative ownership models: What local governments need to know

Give Commerce your feedback now [ [link removed] ] about the draft guidance for alternative homeownership models (PDF) [ [link removed] ], which will help communities regulate and support community land trusts and limited equity housing cooperatives. These tools support housing strategies that promote long-term affordability and equity. Public comments [ [link removed] ] are due Oct. 24.

New parking laws fact sheet available

Several new residential parking regulations passed during the 2025 legislative session. Commerce published a new parking laws fact sheet [ [link removed] ] describing the changes to state law and deadlines for implementation, and will publish detailed guidance on these new requirements in early 2026.

*Ecosystem updates*

Apply now for Salmon Recovery through Local Planning Grants

Commerce recently announced [ [link removed] ] the availability of salmon recovery planning grants to local governments and federally recognized tribes in Washington. These grants support updates to comprehensive plans and development regulations focused on protecting ecosystems, improving water quality and vital salmon habitat.

Approximately $3 million in grant funding is available. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Nov. 17 [ [link removed] ].

Find grant instructions, the application, and the FAQ on Commerce’s Ecosystem Planning [ [link removed] ] webpage.

Questions? Contact the Growth Management Services Ecosystem Team by emailing Angela San Filippo at [email protected].

*Tribal updates*

Commerce employees and tribal planners gather during the Tribal Planners' Gathering.

Tribal Planners’ Gathering building strong ties

Tribal planners from across Washington gathered this month at the Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino for the second annual Tribal Planners’ Gathering.

Discussions included tribal transportation, interlocal agreements, water rights and extending government services to trust lands.

Next event: Tribal Planners’ Forum on Nov. 26 focused on tribal transportation planning.

We're hiring: Local Permit Review Program Specialist

Commerce is recruiting for a Commerce Specialist 4 to lead the Local Permit Review program [ [link removed] ]. Responsibilities include:


* Implementing the annual reporting of the Local Permit Review program
* Developing and publishing an annual report
* Managing the local government permit grant programs

Apply online by Oct. 24. [ [link removed] ]

*From our partners*

Ecology: Floodplains by Design 2027-29 funding opens in November

Dept of Ecology logo

The 2027-29 Floodplains by Design grant round will open next month. The Funding Guidelines and pre-application will be posted on Ecology’s website [ [link removed] ].

This grant program supports projects that reduce flood risks while enhancing the natural functions of floodplains.

Ecology will host two webinars for prospective applicants in November:


* New applicants [ [link removed] ]: 3 p.m. Nov. 5
* Returning applicants [ [link removed] ]: 10 a.m. Nov. 6

The webinar for returning applicants will focus on changes from the 2025-27 grant round. The session for new applicants will offer a full overview of the program.

Pre-applications are due by Jan. 23, 2026. After review, Ecology will provide feedback to applicants and schedule times for them to present their proposals to an evaluation team. Presentations will be scheduled for the week of March 30, 2026. Full applications will be due May 13, 2026. 

Floodplains by Design [ [link removed] ] is a public-private partnership led by Ecology and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. Over the past decade, the Washington State Legislature has appropriated $359 million for Floodplains by Design grants.

New SEPA Handbook now available

The Department of Ecology released an updated version of the SEPA Handbook [ [link removed] ]. It provides guidance and tools to help agencies, applicants and the public understand and follow the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) rules and navigate the SEPA review process.

*What’s new:*


* Updated information on local government planning tools
* Step-by-step guides for various SEPA processes
* Expanded guidance on agency roles in reviewing and commenting on SEPA documents

Questions? Email Ecology at [email protected].



MRSC Webinar: Tools for boosting community resilience to climate impacts

MRSC Logo

As climate-related impacts like wildfires and extreme heat become more common in Washington, how can local communities prepare and adapt? The Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington (MRSC) will host a free workshop at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29 [ [link removed] ], featuring real-world case studies and tools to help communities plan for climate resilience.

Topics include:


* Cooling centers and green infrastructure
* Use of heat pumps and other energy solutions
* Information about a state program that helps communities access funding and technical support


WGS Rock Auction Fundraiser

DNR WGS Logo

The Washington Geological Survey (WGS) will hold its annual Combined Fund Drive Rock Auction at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. SE, Olympia.

This silent auction features donated geology-related items such as rocks, fossils, jewelry, books, rock saws and artwork. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Washington Geology Library, a non-profit that supports the WGS Library.

The auction is open to the public. Contact Stephanie Earls with questions at [email protected].



*Upcoming events*

Periodic Update Workshops

Commerce routinely hosts workshops on specific elements of the periodic update process. These workshops provide valuable opportunities for local jurisdictions to understand and meet the requirements of the periodic update. Please consider joining us for an upcoming workshop to learn more about planning in Washington.

*Transportation Workshop – 2027 series [ [link removed] ]*

10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 30

Topics include:


* What’s new in transportation planning
* How to update your transportation element
* WSDOT guidance on climate, VMT and multimodal planning
* Community spotlights: City of Vancouver and Pierce County

Regional Planners’ Forums

The Regional Planners’ Forums [ [link removed] ] is a partnership between the Department of Commerce, the Planning Association of Washington, and the Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA). They offer planners, elected officials and community members a chance to:


* Talk informally about local planning issues
* Share ideas and get updates from state and federal agencies
* Earn professional development credits

*Southwest Planners’ Forum (Register on Zoom) [ [link removed] ] *

10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 16. Topics:


* Local Project Review — Commerce
* Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) — Commerce and Pierce County

*Eastern Planners’ Forum (Register on Zoom) [ [link removed] ] *

9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22. Topics:


* Planning Ethics
* Urban Growth Area Modifications
* Local Project Review

*Northwest Planners’ Forum (Register on Zoom) [ [link removed] ] *

9:15 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29. Topics:


* Lidar in Washington – Washington Geological Survey
* Washington State Zoning Atlas – Commerce
* Washington State Tree Equity Score Analyzer – American Forests
* WSDOT’s Community Planning Portal – WSDOT

Short Course on Local Planning

The Short Course on Local Planning covers the basics of land use law and comprehensive planning under the Growth Management Act. It includes mandatory training on the Open Public Meetings Act for local officials.

All courses are online, free and open to the public.

*Upcoming Short Courses (on Zoom)*


* 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13 [ [link removed] ]
* 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10 [ [link removed] ]

 






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