FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

FALL 2006: A CRITICAL THRESHOLD FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR STATE!
Steve Butler, AICP
sbutler@ci.seatac.wa.us

It is time to shake off the last remaining remnants of the wonderful summer that we all just experienced, and get active in fighting I-933. As most of you know, I-933 is the so-called “Property Rights” Initiative that will disastrously turn back the clock on many of the advances and protections that our state has achieved since the adoption of the Growth Management Act. The Washington State Chapter (WA APA) is committed to vigorously opposing this misguided initiative, and has officially joined forces with the Citizens for Community Protection Coalition to work on the NO on 933 campaign.

We need you to do several things! First, go to our WA APA website, www.washington-apa.org, to read the actual Initiative, along with the Chapter’s analysis of it. Next, go to the NO on 933 website: www.noon933.org and learn how you can get directly involved in the campaign opposing I-933. There are many volunteer opportunities, from writing letters to the editor and putting up yard signs to phone banking and doorbelling. To successfully defeat this Initiative, we will need your time and money. Now is the time to get involved!

I just want to remind about the Annual Fall Conference, which will take place this year from October 4-6, in Yakima. The theme is “Creating Urban Centers/Preserving Rural Traditions—Our Shared Future,” and the program looks great. Our opening keynote speaker on Wednesday will be Michael Tchong, who will tell us about some emerging trends in the USA. There will be a Luncheon Panel on Thursday, with WA APA members Ben Frerichs, Kim Marousek, and Emily Inkpen providing a first-hand description of the rebuilding effort going on in New Orleans. Dave Siegel, the national APA President, will give the Closing General Session presentation on planners as Agents of Change. I would like to thank the Conference Committee for having done such a fantastic job, especially Michael Kattermann, who is doing double duty as Conference Chair and Sponsorship Chair; and the Program Co-Chairs Deborah Munkberg and Page Scott. This will be a popular conference, so be sure to sign up early!

That’s it for now. Keep on planning!

COMMITTEE ON REGULATORY FAIRNESS/NO ON 933 CAMPAIGN

WA APA JOINS FIGHT AGAINST PROPERTY RIGHTS INITIATIVE 933
Joe Tovar, FAICP
Chair of the ad hoc Committee on Regulatory Fairness

Summer’s over, the kids are back in school, and now the campaign to defeat I-933 gets serious! Over one hundred members of Washington Chapter of APA have joined the Chapter's Committee on Regulatory Fairness/NO on 933 campaign to actively oppose the so-called "Property Fairness" Initiative.

Polling indicates that once undecided voters understand what I-933 would do to our neighborhoods, our environment, and our pocketbooks, they move into the “No” column. Our challenge is to get those messages out to every voter in the state, many times, and through a variety of channels.

It’s equally important to convey what I-933 is not about. It is NOT about eminent domain. Even the Farm Bureau has apparently conceded this point because they have removed from their website their prior listing of three eminent domain cases in Washington as examples of “regulatory” abuses.

When speaking with people, you need to use clear illustrations to be sure they understand the important difference between taking private property through eminent domain (paying fair market value to acquire the entirety of a parcel for public purposes) and land use regulations that restrict some aspect of how all private property can be used (such as controls on where industrial uses can locate, building height limits, and setbacks from streams).

Don’t be lulled into complacency by the recent article in the Seattle Times titled "Support for I-933 Lukewarm." That story was about a scarcity of organizational support for I-933, not a lack of voter support. Remember that, just as in Oregon, we expect to significantly outspend the Initiative backers and to have the Initiative condemned by every major metropolitan daily in the state. But that wasn’t enough in Oregon, where Measure 37 passed even in progressive Portland precincts. And it won’t be enough here. To defeat I-933, we need to burn up the shoe leather, the airwaves, the telephones and the Internet with our messages. THIS MEANS YOU!

Chapter members are encouraged to participate in phone banking and doorbelling efforts by contacting organizers at www.noon933.org. In addition, the APA Committee is launching an innovative effort to “throw a net” over 933. The Committee provides the nucleus of the APA EMAIL NET. Here’s how it works.

Every other week, a brief, illustrated, and humorous message about the negative consequences of 933 will be sent to the APA EMAIL NET. Each member of the NET then forwards the message of the week to ten of his/her trusted friends, neighbors or relatives. If 500 chapter members participate, we could reach 5,000 voters. If 1000 participate, we could reach 10,000 voters! In a close election, that could very well be the difference. To volunteer to be part of the NET, email your HOME EMAIL ADDRESS to jwtovar@hotmail.com I will verify your membership by checking with the National APA directory, so please list in your email your full name as it appears there.

Another important upcoming opportunity to prepare for 933 will be at the Chapter's annual conference in Yakima, October 4–6. There will be speakers from Oregon, a session comparing and contrasting Measure 37 and I-933, information about existing methods to achieve greater regulatory fairness, and a panel on the upcoming legislative session.

Finally, I would like to remind public employees of the need to pursue any campaign activities on their own time as private citizens, using their personal email, and other materials or equipment. State law forbids the use of government offices, computers, phones, or email addresses to support or oppose a ballot measure.

Check the Chapter's website for more information and updated details.

LEGISLATIVE CORNER

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Michael Shaw
Washington APA Lobbyist

In mid-July, members of the Governor’s policy office briefed several representatives of the Washington chapter of APA concerning four possible land use issues the Governor is considering for the 2007 legislative session: GMA hearing board organization; eminent domain; best available science, and pre-existing uses. Staff mentioned several other policy initiatives regarding local government infrastructure financing, housing and small family farms.

Beyond theses issues, other legislative professionals are opining that education and health care access will be the issues that dominate the 2007 session—particularly given the Governor’s goal concerning child medical coverage. Below are several other factors that will impact the 2007 session. They are:

• Operating budget constraints: At the end of the last session, we were told that the state faced a significant budget deficit. Later, after the spring fiscal forecast, we were told that the state would have a budget surplus. As July began, we were told that the State was in danger of losing about $680 million due to federal tax legislation. Last week, Congress shelved said legislation. Expectations are that any additional spending will be dedicated to the education/health care access issues mentioned above.

• Caucus dynamics: Friday July 28th was the last day for filing for office, and many legislative incumbents discovered they were running unopposed. Most Olympia watchers believe that the Democrats will maintain control of both the House and Senate; however, there are several open legislative seats that are intriguing because they could significantly alter the dynamic in the Senate since all but one (which is certain to stay Democrat) involve Republican-held seats. Of those open seats, several are in swing districts, such as the 26th district and the 47th district. And while the Democrats have a slight majority in the Senate, their control is tenuous given several conservative Democrats who have and will vote with the Republicans on certain issues. (Past Republican senate majorities have suffered the same problem with their more liberal members). If the Democrats can pick up one of those open seats, it would give them their strongest majority since 1994.

• Voter approved initiatives: I-933 will significantly impact land use planning in Washington, but the transportation stakeholders believe I-917 will similarly impact transportation policy by devastating the state’s transportation budget. I-917 would repeal the weight fees imposed on vehicles during the 2005 legislative session. These fees fund the multi-modal projects and many of the transportation infrastructure projects needed by this state. This Eyman initiative comes a year after Washington citizens rejected the referendum that would have repealed the gas tax increases, which also passed during the 2005 session. A preliminary sample count by the Secretary of State indicates that I-917 does not have enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. Yet, the official count has not yet been completed as of this writing.

• Impacts of judicial opinions: Since the end of the 2006 session, a superior court judge has invalidated I-747, which limits property tax levy increases to one percent. Another superior court invalidated several tax increases past during the 2005 legislative session. Lastly, the Washington Supreme Court recently upheld the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which bans gay marriage. Many legislators intend to weigh in on each of these issues.

How all of the above enumerated issues play out in the 2007 session is not clear. Yet, each of these issues will impact the other since the 2007 session is of limited duration and some issues always fall off the table due to limits of time, political fortitude, and compromise. The Washington APA will need to be cognizant of these larger issues in order to anticipate what is possible and probable in 2007.

ANNUAL FALL CONFERENCE

CONFERENCE AWAITS US IN YAKIMA
Michael D. Kattermann
Conference Chair

In August, you probably received the preliminary program for this year’s Washington APA conference, Creating Urban Centers, Preserving Rural Traditions: Our Shared Future. For those who register, expect to gain knowledge and build networks while having a good time!

Program committee co-chairs Deborah Munkberg and Page Scott and their committee members have done an outstanding job. There are over 100 speakers presenting 40 sessions with insights on a variety of urban and rural projects, programs and techniques related to the environment, growth management, transportation, professional development and (new this year) community vitality. There will also be updates on I-933, the so-called “property rights initiative” on the November ballot. All of the sessions will convene at the Yakima Convention Center in downtown Yakima, October 4–6. We start on Wednesday and go through Friday this year, so consider staying over a day or two and enjoying the beautiful Yakima Valley in early fall.

In addition to the regular sessions, there are three special general sessions this year, including the opening keynote address on Wednesday by Michael Tchong. Michael is the founder of Ubercool and an internationally recognized speaker on cultural and business trends. During Thursday’s lunch, a panel of Washington Chapter planners, led by Ben Frerichs, will share their experiences in working to rebuild the Gulf Coast after the devastation of hurricane Katrina. Finally, David Siegel, the national APA President, will address us on Friday. David is from Portland, Oregon. He can make any topic, including APA, fascinating and amusing! Many thanks to Ikuno Masterson and her committee for the extraordinary efforts in lining up our general session speakers!

There are five mobile workshops to indulge your five senses this year, thanks to the local knowledge and connections of local host committee chair Dave McFadden and his committee. Plus we have five exciting tours: the Toppenish murals, a Yakima Valley winery, the Yakima Greenway, a working farm and orchards, and downtown Yakima revitalization. In addition, we have an opening night reception including local wines and microbrews for you to enjoy as you mix and mingle with 400 of your closest planning-related friends from around the state! Be sure to view posters of recent student projects from WSU and UW as well as numerous exhibits.

We also want to thank the sponsors who help to underwrite the costs of this tremendous conference:

Platinum: Adolfson Associates, Inc.; AHBL, Inc.; and Wildlands of Washington

Gold: Jones & Stokes; Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development; and Washington State Department of Transportation

Silver: BHC Consultants, Inc.; Buck & Gordon, LLP; Reid Middleton; Studio Cascade, Inc.; and The Transpo Group

See you in Yakima!

CTED

COMMUNITY GROWTH MANAGEMENT SUCCESSES HIGHLIGHTED
Rita R. Robison, AICP
Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development

More than 160 people gathered at an event in Tacoma in June to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Growth Management Act (GMA) and to recognize outstanding work in creating livable communities in Washington State. Governor Chris Gregoire presented the first Governor’s Smart Communities Awards.

“Washington has an enviable quality of life that keeps our state competitive in the global marketplace,” said Governor Gregoire. “I am pleased to recognize the important work our communities and their partners are doing to keep Washington a great place to live.”

The Governor presented awards to the cities of Bainbridge Island, Redmond, Bremerton, and Woodinville, along with Jefferson County and King County Housing Authority. Snohomish County also received Special Recognition. There were 24 strong nominations, a competitive field.

“Washington communities are finding creative, local solutions to meet the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors. In doing so, they are building innovative partnerships,” said Juli Wilkerson, director of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED).

The event also honored 20 state leaders who created the GMA and featured oral histories of their visions and debates. Their leadership can be explored at www.secstate.wa.gov/oralhistory.

Among those interviewed for CTED’s Growth Management Oral History Project are Joe King, former speaker of the state House of Representatives; former Governor Booth Gardner; Dick Ford, former chair of the Growth Strategies Commission; state Senator Mary Margaret Haugen; Joe Tovar, FAICP, planning director for the City of Shoreline; and Mike McCormick; FAICP, former assistant director for CTED’s Growth Management Division.

“The growth management oral history is a long-lasting contribution,” said Anne Kilgannon, Oral History Program manager, Office of the Secretary of State. “It will have importance in preserving the history of the Act as well as make a contribution to the future of the Act,” Kilgannon said.

A report detailing the history of the GMA in Washington, Creating Livable Communities: Managing Washington’s Growth for 15 Years, which highlights local accomplishments and challenges, is available at the CTED website. Quotes from the oral history project are included in the publication, as are comments from local and state leaders on how growth management is working.

“The reception was an outstanding event in that it recognized the accomplishments of the leaders who worked for the passage of the Growth Management Act and highlighted the successes being accomplished at the local level under the Act,” said Nancy K. Ousley, CTED’s assistant director for local government. “The judges for the awards were impressed with the innovative, forward-looking plans and projects submitted. We had a very strong set of nominees.”

Although Ousley acknowledged that challenges remain in growth management planning, she said “much has been accomplished in the last 15 years; I salute local communities for their achievements and progress.”

CTED/Rita R. Robison.

AWARDS RECOGNIZE EXCELLENT GROWTH MANAGEMENT WORK

Winners of the Governor’s Smart Communities Awards are:

Comprehensive Planning

City of Bainbridge Island for Winslow Tomorrow
The Winslow Tomorrow process produced a visionary Urban Design for Downtown Winslow. The plan, crafted by the community, presents a ‘blueprint’ for development and a ‘green print’ for conservation to guide the downtown from a 1950s main street to a vibrant mixed-use town center.

Judges’ Comments

“GMA well applied with balance of issues, density, transportation, aesthetics, jobs, revenue.”
“Excellent example of citizen participation in a comprehensive plan.”

City of Redmond for the Redmond Comprehensive Plan
Redmond’s comprehensive plan articulates the community’s long-term values and effectively shapes how the city looks and feels now and for the future.

Judges’ Comments

“Good community input.”
“Really like outreach and innovation in housing.”
“Especially good example of incorporating a housing element into a comprehensive plan for the community.”

Implementation of a Comprehensive Plan

City of Bremerton for Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code Update
Less than one year after adoption of a ten-year comprehensive plan update, Bremerton adopted a ‘cover-to-cover’ new zoning code that directly implements the plan.

Judges’ Comments

“The city moved to put code in place to support the plan on a fast track.”
“Simplifying the code worked.”
“The speed with which they matched code to plans is amazing—need more of this.”

Jefferson County for Supporting Agriculture While Protecting Fish and Wildlife Habitat
In 2002 Jefferson County launched a four-year effort to maintain and supporting ongoing and existing agriculture by enacting an ordinance allowing for “accessory uses” to agriculture while protecting the functions and values of fish and wildlife habitat.

Judges’ Comments

“Worked with all stakeholders for a workable solution—not an easy task.”
“Preserves a key economic aspect of the county, enhances fish and wildlife with both ecological and economic values, preserved open space in a practical way.”
“Should be used by other counties.”

Development Project to Implement a Plan

King County Housing Authority and GGLO for Greenbridge Community
Greenbridge is a revitalized neighborhood that was the former Park Lake Homes public housing project in White Center.

Judges’ Comment

“Great redevelopment project integrating many of the aspects of growth management planning, notably transportation and housing, into a project that has substantial benefit to the community.”

City of Woodinville for Greenbrier Heights: Affordable Housing Community
Greenbrier Heights was developed through a partnership of non- and for-profit developers and government agencies working together to transform a county surplus site into a residential neighborhood affordable to a wide range of incomes.

Judges’ Comments

“Clear that affordable housing served as well as open space and community amenities.”
“Housing stock enhanced at affordable level.”

Special Recognition

Snohomish County Act—Transfer of Development Rights Program
An innovative, market-based approach that was designed to conserve the long-term viability of commercial agriculture within the county, while creating development incentives to achieve planned densities under the GMA within urban growth areas

Judges’ Comments

“If successfully implemented, provides a direct, tangible connection between three important goals of the Growth management Act—conservation of natural resource lands, encouraging new growth in urban areas, and reducing sprawl.”

“Congratulations to these cities and counties and all their partners in these exemplary projects,” said Leonard Bauer, managing director of CTED’s Growth Management Services. “It’s terrific to be able to recognize the accomplishments of local communities through the Governor’s awards.”

WASHINGTON APA MEMBERSHIP REPORT

CHAPTER-ONLY MEMBERSHIP

REMINDER

Last year the board approved a new chapter-only group membership opportunity.

This membership is available to planning commissions, city councils and commissions, tribal councils, and board members of non-profit organizations and other professional associations.

Up to 10 members may be included in a group membership. The group rate if $150 and is administered by the chapter office.

To obtain a group membership form or learn more about the benefits of this membership, contact Anna Nelson, AICP, Membership Committee chair, at (206) 382-9540 or anelson@buckgordon.com.

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

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