The Pierce County Council’s Community Development Committee will hear a resolution that articulates the County’s focus and efforts to manage growth in the central urban growth area.

During the committee meeting on Monday, Nov. 21 at 1:30 p.m., the committee will hear Resolution No. 2016-150 the “Urban Communities of Pierce” initiative.

The initiative supports and highlights the need for continued collaboration between County departments and the community for implementing a proactive plan that supports growth in the County’s central urban area including major transportation corridors and centers.

This resolution, if passed, would direct County departments to work together on implementation of the County’s Comprehensive Plan and associated community plans; to better ensure that actions are taken to strategically invest and prioritize County resources to improve livability; and to generate private investments in support of planned growth and revitalization within urban areas.

The Growth Management Act (GMA) requires Pierce County and its cities and towns to plan for future needs based on projected population growth. Land use, housing, capital facilities, and transportation are just some of the issues addressed in the County’s Comprehensive Plan. 

GMA also requires that the Puget Sound region adopt multi-county planning policies.  These policies are managed by the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC). PSRC adopted VISION 2040 as the region’s multi-county planning policy document in 2008. These policies are also reflected within a jurisdiction’s comprehensive plan.

The resolution being considered by the Pierce County Council follows prior action taken by the Council last summer through Resolution No. R2016-79s in association with PSRC‘s certification of the County’s Comprehensive Plan.