By Katie F. Cote, AICP on Posted in Development,Energy Efficiency/Sustainability,Growth Management Act,Land Use,Land Use PlanningThis month the Center for Clean Air Policy released a study Growing Wealthier: Smart Growth, Climate Change and Prosperity which argues that “smart growth” can lead to economic gains by the private sector, governments, and local citizens . “Smart growth” describes development that reduces suburban sprawl, makes efficient use of public utilities, and fosters mixed-use and … Continue Reading
By Saira Rhodes on Posted in DevelopmentzHome, the nation’s first multi-family, zero net-energy housing development and education center, and GordonDerr’s 2010 Thanksgiving Charitable Match organization, featured in Good Design. There is clearly a pent up demand for this type of housing. People are so tired of incrementalism and lack of progress on the environment, and the thought of taking a huge … Continue Reading
By Jay P. Derr on Posted in Environmental,Land UseThe 2011 Legislative session is underway and, with the first day’s introductions there are a few bills worth noting in the land use/environmental arena: 1. SB 5012 would change the role of the Growth Management Hearings Board, giving less deference to local governments. This is potentially a significant change in authority of the Growth Boards, since courts … Continue Reading
By Tadas A. Kisielius on Posted in Climate Change,Environmental,Land UseOn Wednesday, Montana’s Governor Brian Schweitzer arrived in Washington to meet with Washington Governor Chris Gregoire and Cowlitz County Commissioners in an effort to support a proposal to ship Montana coal destined for Asia through Washington State. Governor Schweitzer’s trip is garnering national attention and is the latest in a legal and policy battle that has … Continue Reading
By molawrence on Posted in Development,Environmental,Land UseFEMA continues to roll out new floodplain maps in the Puget Sound region, including recent preliminary maps in King, Snohomish, Skagit and Lewis counties. (The new Pierce County floodplain maps are even further along – ready for final issuance pending final notice in the Federal Register.) Overall, these maps show significant increases in the size … Continue Reading
