Annexation Reform/Governance Transition Discussions

AWC and Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) staff has begun drafting discussion papers on the following topic areas for discussion among our respective Boards:

Annexation Reform;
Joint Planning in Urban Growth Areas;
Urban Services Transition;
Fiscal Facts – How Governance Transition Impacts Service Providers.

As reported in last month’s Bulletin, both Associations are preparing background materials and initial suggestions on these topics in an effort to find agreement and narrow down any differences in anticipation of reaching out in the Fall to other interests, such as representatives of special districts. It is our hope that some agreements can be reached and joint legislative proposals developed and introduced for consideration in the upcoming 2009 legislative session. More to come!

Several cities with an interest in these topics have contacted AWC with ideas and all others with interest or questions are encouraged to contact Dave Williams at davew@awcnet.org or 1-800-562-8981 for more information.

GMA Critical Area Ordinance Update - Help Sought for Small Cities

For the past several legislative sessions, AWC has sought to capture the attention and interest of the Gregoire Administration and Legislators in hopes that cost-effective ways can be found to assist smaller cities when they next are required to review and update, if necessary, local Critical Areas Ordinances using the "best available science."

A wave of required updates is about to happen. By the end of 2011, cities in the Central Puget Sound Counties and those in Skagit, Clallam, Jefferson and Clark Counties will have to complete their reviews and any updates. It is expected that "new and better science" will be available – in particular when considering regulations that impact either the health of the Puget Sound or have potential Climate Change impacts. Other cities will be required to review and update in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

AWC is again seeking support for some sort of legislation and funding package that will help smaller cities with little or any staff expertise in these complex issue areas. We anticipate more to report after some upcoming meetings – both with Administration officials and legislators.

Annual Joint Conference – WA Assoc. of City & County Planning Directors

For over 20 years, Planning Directors from Washington’s Cities and Counties have been meeting annually in Chelan to share ideas and experiences with colleagues, get professional development specifically designed for planning directors, and receive relevant state policy and legal updates.

This year’s conference will be held September 9 -12. Announcements and registration materials have just been sent to members of the City Planning Director’s Association. If your city didn’t receive this material and you’d like to find out how to participate, please contact AWC’s Tim Gugerty at timg@awcnet.org or 1-800-562-8981 for more information.

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