Welcome to Skagit County

January 25th, 2005

FIRST GMA 2005 OPEN HOUSE TO BE HELD IN CONCRETE

Skagit County citizens are invited to attend a public open house for the 2005 Growth Management Act (GMA) update on Wednesday, February 9. The open house will be held at the Concrete Senior Center, 45821 Railroad Street from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, for directions call 360-853-8400. This is an opportunity for the public to be involved in the 2005 GMA update to determine whether the goals, objectives, and policies of the Comprehensive Plan are in compliance with the Growth Management Act and with the County’s vision for future growth. This will eventually lead to the Board of County Commissioners reviewing and approving any changes that are necessary to update the County Comprehensive Plan.

Every seven years, the Growth Management Act (36.70A RCW) requires Skagit County to update its Comprehensive Plan and development regulations to ensure compliance with the Act. Skagit County adopted its Comprehensive Plan, under the Growth Management Act, in 1997. The County must complete its first seven-year update of the Plan by December 1, 2005. This update process is referred to as the "2005 GMA Update."

By 2025, Skagit County is expected to be home to nearly 50,000 more people. That's a 45% increase. This growth should bring more economic opportunities and more diversity to our communities. In order for the quality of life in Skagit County to remain high and its resources to be sustained, we need to work together this coming year to ensure that the Comprehensive Plan remains a strong blueprint to guide the growth.

A fifteen member Steering Committee has been appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to advise the Planning Staff and Planning Commission during the review process and to help identify issues and gaps. These committee members represent a variety of county interests and groups. This committee has met monthly since October, and will continue to do so until updates are complete.

With the help of a "2005 GMA Update and Public Outreach Steering Committee" the general public will assist in reviewing the Comprehensive Plan and development regulations, and inform the County of any needed or desired changes. The Skagit County Planning Commission will also review any proposed amendments relating to the update, and conduct public hearings and deliberations. The Planning Commission will ultimately make a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners regarding any needed changes.

The schedule follows a 15 month timeline that includes docketing of proposals for plan changes, analysis of current goals, policies, and strategies, preparing code amendment options, drafting a new plan, review by public and state agencies, and final adoption by the Board of County Commissioners.

For more information about the 2005 GMA update, please visit the GMA update website at www.skagitcounty.net/gmaupdate (or contact Guy McNally, AICP at the Skagit County Planning & Permit Center 360.336.9410 or by email guym@co.skagit.wa.us.

Funds made available through the Washington State Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development.