This month: Grant deadlines, housing report, upcoming events



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Nov. 17, 2025
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Planners’ Monthly Newsletter – November 2025

*This month: Grant deadlines, housing report, upcoming events*

Deadline extended: Periodic Update Grants available for 2027 jurisdictions – apply by Dec. 5

Jurisdictions with periodic updates due in 2027 have until Dec. 5 to apply for periodic update grants.

Application materials can be found on our GMA Grants webpage [ [link removed] ], including the:


* Application manual [ [link removed] ]
* Smartsheet Application Instructions [ [link removed] ]
* Application form [ [link removed] ]

Grants are non-competitive and available to assist local governments in completing updates to their comprehensive plans and development regulations, as outlined in RCW 36.70A.130(5). [ [link removed] ]

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

Housing report reveals progress in supply, persistent challenges in affordability

The Washington Center for Real Estate Research (WCRER) recently published the State of the State’s Housing 2025 report [ [link removed] ] on housing supply and affordability in Washington. The report gives an overview of housing in the state focusing on recent legislation, demographic and economic conditions, homeownership, house prices, rents, affordability, and homelessness.

Key highlights include:


* *Population growth:* Washington’s population grew past 8.1 million in 2025.
* *Incomes:* Household incomes rose across the state, with the median household making about $102,000.
* *Availability:* Housing stock increased statewide by about 1.4%, increasing in every county.
* *Home prices and affordability: *While housing prices have leveled off, homes are still less affordable for the average buyer than they were a few years ago.
* *Rents:* Growth in rent costs slowed to an average of 2% a year since 2022. Vacancy rates have returned to more typical levels.

For more housing data, visit the Washington Center for Real Estate Research [ [link removed] ].

*From our partners*

MRSC: Hearings Board cases spotlight HB 1220 changes

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Washington’s Growth Management Hearings Board recently issued decisions in two cases related to implementation of the new housing element requirements.

The cases centered on requirements introduced with HB 1220 [ [link removed] ] that jurisdictions “plan for and accommodate” housing affordable to all income segments.

In a recent article [ [link removed] ], MRSC breaks down the rulings and explains what they mean for jurisdictions statewide.

 



Help update Puget Sound habitat restoration and protection plans

National Estuary Program

The Habitat Strategic Initiative Lead [ [link removed] ] (HSIL) is seeking input on updates to regional Habitat Implementation Strategies.

Fill out the questionnaires below to share feedback on barriers, progress, and priorities that should be incorporated into Implementation Strategy (IS) updates. 


* Land Development and Cover IS focuses on reducing conversion pressure on intact habitat, open space, natural areas, and working lands as a step towards protecting and restoring Puget Sound. Questionnaire is due by Dec. 19: [link removed]  

* Floodplains and Estuaries IS focuses on integrated planning to protect, reconnect, and restore floodplains and estuaries in the Puget Sound. Questionnaire is due by Jan. 9, 2026: [link removed] [ [link removed] ]   

Your input will inform the updates to the Floodplains and Estuaries [ [link removed] ] and the Land Development and Cover [ [link removed] ] Implementation Strategies. For more information about the Implementation Strategy update process and timeline, check out HSIL’s blog post [ [link removed] ].

*Questions?*

For questions about the Implementation Strategy updates, contact:


* Rebecca Brown, Land Development and Cover Implementation Strategy Lead, [email protected].
* Rachel Latchford, Floodplains and Estuaries Implementation Strategy Lead, [email protected]. 

 



WGS publishes new aggregate resource inventory of Grant County

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The Washington Geological Survey publishes aggregate resource maps to support cities and counties in identifying resources of long-term commercial significance (sand, gravel, and crushed rock), as required by state law.

WGS recently published the Aggregate Resource Inventory of Grant County, including a map sheet and a pamphlet. Click to download both the plate and pamphlet (ZIP). [ [link removed] ]

Spatial data from the project are available on WGS’s Geologic Information Portal. [ [link removed] ]

*Questions?* Contact Amy Rudko, Aggregate Mapper, at [email protected] <[email protected]>.



*Upcoming events*

Short Course on Local Planning

The Short Course on Local Planning offers an overview of land use planning laws in Washington and an introduction to comprehensive planning under the Growth Management Act. All courses are online, free and open to the public.

*Upcoming Short Courses*


* 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10 [ [link removed] ]
* 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27 [ [link removed] ]
* 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26 [ [link removed] ]
* 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 24 [ [link removed] ]

 






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