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Regional Planning

Regional Planning

The Regional Planning section within the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget (PSB) works with issues of land use planning, facility planning, demographics and governmental coordination in the Puget Sound region, King County and unincorporated King County.

The Regional Planning Section is responsible for coordinating updates to the King County Comprehensive Plan, Countywide Planning Policies and VISION 2040 and will coordinate the County's participation in the Growth Management Planning Council and other regional bodies. The Section also provides growth forecasting and demographics services to county department and the region, and supports and facilitates annexations of remaining urban unincorporated areas to cities.

The Regional Planning Section provides leadership, management and accountability for King County's long-range planning efforts. The Section coordinates and integrates comprehensive, countywide and regional planning efforts as directed by King County policy and in concert with the County's elected leaders. Guided by the King County Strategic Plan, the King County Comprehensive Plan, the Countywide Planning Policies, and VISION 2040, the Regional Planning Section works across King County government and with other jurisdictions to advance initiatives that support resilient, healthy, diverse, and sustainable communities.

Award Winning Growth Management
in King County


The state Growth Management Act requires large and fast-growing counties and cities to work together to manage population, housing, and job growth, preserve the environment, and protect farm and forest land. 

King County has been remarkably successful in carrying out the GMA.  Since 1994, an increasing share of new growth has been focused within the designated Urban Growth Area.  Currently, more than 97% of new residential construction is occurring within Urban Growth Areas, and a large share of the most recent housing and job growth is taking place in designated Urban Centers. There are 51,000 acres of agricultural land in production, and more than 14,500 acres have been permanently preserved. Under GMA, King County is helping to create great communities where everyone has an opportunity to succeed.

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In recognition of these achievements in planning, King County has received several awards including:

  • VISION 2040 awards from the Puget Sound Regional Council
  • Smart Communities Awards from the Washington State Governor's Office and
  • Lifetime Achievement award from Governor Jay Inslee for successful efforts in implementing the GMA (pictured)


 

Lauren Smith, Deputy Director for Regional Planning
Performance, Strategy and Budget
Phone:(206) 263-9606
Email: lauren.smith@kingcounty.gov

Other WA State Agencies Growth Management efforts:

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