AWC Legislative Bulletin - Volume 30, No. 7
February 16, 2007
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In this issue:
What You Need to Know Now
From the Director: Governor Gregoire Addresses CLAC Attendees
Energy & Telecommunications
Environment & Water
General Local Government
Infrastructure, Transportation & Economic Development
Land Use & Housing
Law & Justice
Municipal Finance
Personnel & Labor Relations
Online Legislative Advocacy Tools
AWC Legislative Contacts & Officers
Land Use & Housing
Land Use & Housing Sessions at the AWC City Legislative Action Conference
AWC would like to thank Rep. Larry Springer (D-Kirkland) and Sen. Rodney Tom (D-Bellevue) for taking time to participate in an excellent discussion of housing issues during AWC’s City Legislative Action Conference this week in Olympia. AWC would also like to thank panel moderator Mary-Alyce Burleigh, Kirkland councilmember, and panel participants Kari Burrell from the Governor’s policy office and Mike Flynn from the Washington REALTORS®. This was a very engaging and thought-provoking session, and the conversation on housing issues will be featured again at our upcoming Annual Conference in Tacoma, June 12-15.
AWC would also like to thank a number of city officials who contributed to discussions on land use at the legislative conference and in testimony before the House Local Government Committee regarding a number of AWC Priority bills on annexation and governance (HB 2005, HB 2006, HB 2031 & HB 2045). Thanks to Mayor Dennis Hession from Spokane, Councilmember Rich Munson from Spokane Valley, Councilmember Paul Roberts from Everett, and staff members Susan Wallace from Vancouver and Suzanne Dale-Estey from Renton.
Bills of Interest This Coming Week
The following bills will be heard at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, February 20 in the House Local Government Committee.
New Performance Measurement and Reporting Requirements in GMA Cities and Counties (HB 2091)
This bill requires countywide planning policies to be amended to establish performance measures that regularly review progress towards accommodating the twenty-year population and employment growth projections. The bill defines "performance measures" and "reasonable measures." AWC will express concerns.
CTED Feedback to the Legislature on GMA Performance (HB 2092)
HB 2092 would require the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED), on or before each December 31, to prepare a list of methods used by counties and cities to comply with the requirements of the Growth Management Act. This bill requires CTED, on or before each March 1, to provide this information and appropriate technical assistance to counties and cities required to or choosing to comply with the provisions of this act.
HB 2092 also declares that the department, on or before each December 31, shall submit to the Legislature an assessment of the effectiveness of the requirements of the GMA in achieving the goals envisioned by the county-wide planning policies and the comprehensive plans and development regulations of the counties and cities. The assessments must include recommendations for legislation CTED deems necessary to increase the effectiveness of the requirements of the GMA in achieving its goals. AWC will express interest in working with the prime sponsor, Rep. Mark Miloscia (D-Federal Way) to narrow the scope of this effort.
Accommodating Projected Urban Growth in Large Counties By Wage Decile (HB 2093)
HB 2093 provides that urban growth accommodations required in King County must include zoning regulations that conform to the estimated wages of the residents expected to comprise the growth. AWC appreciates bill sponsor Rep. Miloscia’s (D-Federal Way) interest and passion to figure out how to provide housing that is affordable to all income levels in King County. AWC has met with Rep. Miloscia to express grave concerns with how he is trying to achieve this, not with the intent.
Allowing Cities in Fire Districts to Impose Impact Fees (HB 2110)
AWC supports this bill sponsored by Rep. Geoff Simpson (D-Covington). Under current law, only cities that have their own fire department may impose impact fees on growth within the city. This bill would allow the same for cities who contract with fire districts for services inside a city.
The following bills will be heard at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, February 20 in the Senate Government Operations and Elections Committees.
Addressing Transportation Concurrency and Impact Fees Under the Growth Management Act (SB 5683/HB 1753)
The Senate version of this bill provides that if a jurisdiction requires payment of transportation impact fees, that jurisdiction may not prohibit development approvals based on failure to achieve applicable LOS (level of service) standards adopted in the transportation elements of the comprehensive plan. The bill also seeks to overturn a recent State Supreme Court ruling on impact fees and would require cities imposing such fees to assess them for a developments direct impact on certain public facilities.
Modifying Provisions on Industrial Land Bank Siting Outside Urban Growth Areas (HB 1965)
HB 1965, heard last week in the House, would modify conditions under which industrial facilities could be located outside cities and urban growth areas. It contains most of the provisions from current statutes that are designed to ensure such sites do not leave available sites in cities abandoned or "passed over." Some of the current protective statutory provisions have been removed and AWC staff is working with proponents to understand why. AWC anticipates that a Senate version will be introduced and heard. Interested cities are encouraged to contact Dave Williams, davew@awcnet.org.
Siting Affordable Housing Communities Outside Urban Growth Area Boundaries (HB 1640)
HB 1640 would allow the siting of new mobile home parks and manufactured housing communities outside of urban growth areas. AWC is evaluating this bill and encourages interested cities to examine it and contact us prior to the hearing with your comments. HB 1640 is scheduled for a hearing at 8 am on Thursday, February 22 in the House Local Government Committee. Please contact Tim Gugerty, timg@awcnet.org, with input by February 21.
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