Inclusive Planning

The Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) is a law that requires state and local governments to manage Washington's growth by identifying and protecting critical areas and natural resource lands, designating urban growth areas, preparing comprehensive plans and implementing them through capital investments and development regulations. The GMA was adopted because the Washington State Legislature found that uncoordinated and unplanned growth posed a threat to the environment, sustainable economic development and the quality of life in Washington. The GMA establishes state goals, sets deadlines for compliance, offers direction on how to prepare local comprehensive plans and regulations and sets forth requirements for early and continuous public participation.

GMA requires "early, continuous, and inclusive public involvement throughout the planning process." Every eight to ten years, depending on how quickly a community grows, comprehensive plans and development regulations are reviewed, and if needed, revised to comply with GMA and changing community needs. 

In a time of unprecedented growth in Blaine, the city has not held one educational workshop to involve the citizens of Blaine in planning its future. Public hearings where we are allowed to comment on a proposal already negotiated between city hall and developers is not the same thing. 

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