Department of Commerce Cost Study

LDC was hired by the Washington State Department of Commerce to assist with an evaluation of the cost to cities and counties to meet various planning requirements under the Growth Management Act (GMA). The project also reviewed and assessed other forms of technical assistance, in addition to direct financial assistance, that may provide additional capacity to facilitate implementation of new GMA planning requirements. The goal of the project was to better understand actual costs to local government to meet planning requirements so funding can be properly provided. LDC tasks for this project included assisting with the development of methodology for calculating planning costs, preparing interview questions, conducting interviews with cities and counties, and consolidating information gathered.