 Planners’ Monthly Newsletter – March 2026
This month: Legislative session, DCCA grants, HAA staff, PAW conference
Planning laws refined during legislative session
The 2026 legislative session concluded last week in Olympia.
Planning-related bills making it to Governor Bob Ferguson’s desk this year were narrower in scope than those of recent years, but several key measures will impact how local governments plan for residential density, site supportive housing and process building permits.
We will publish a full legislative update on Commerce’s website soon with a breakdown of each bill relevant to local planners. In the meantime, please reach out to your regional planner with questions about what new legislation may mean for your community.
Dave Andersen recognized for impact and expertise
We are thrilled to share that Dave Andersen, managing director of Growth Management Services, has been named to the 2026 Class of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners (FAICP).
Induction to the College of Fellows is made in recognition of “significant and transformational improvements to the field of planning” and is the highest honor the AICP bestows upon a member.
Read more about this recognition for Dave.
|
DCCA accepting applications for 2027 funding
Commerce’s Defense Community Compatibility Account (DCCA) is now accepting applications for projects near Washington’s military installations.
DCCA grants provide funds for projects that affect the economy, environment or quality of life for communities influenced by military presence.
Applications are due May 4. More information about DCCA awards.
 Staff update: Housing Accountability Act team
We are excited to announce key roles to support implementation of the new Housing Accountability Act (HAA) program. Please join us in congratulating Amy Hilland and Hannah Johnston on their new positions.
As principal housing planner, Amy will serve as the state’s technical expert on the HAA and lead its implementation. Amy joined Commerce in 2024 as a senior planner serving Eastern Washington. She previously worked as a planner for the City of Gig Harbor and in Kootenai County, Idaho. |
|
 |
Hannah will support the HAA program as a senior planner helping local governments refine their housing plans and regulations consistent with the Growth Management Act. She will continue to serve as Commerce’s subject matter expert on emergency and supportive housing. Hannah joined Commerce as a housing planner in 2024.
|
Commerce is moving!
Commerce’s Olympia headquarters is moving to a new building on the Capitol Campus. Starting April 16, our new mailing address will be:
Washington State Department of Commerce
1500 Jefferson St SE Olympia, WA 98501
We look forward to serving you from our new location! Learn more about our new location and how to get here.
Submit MFTE annual report by April 1
It’s time to submit an annual report on the Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) program!
Every jurisdiction should complete the short online reporting form, whether or not the jurisdiction currently has an MFTE Program. Jurisdictions that issued final certificates of tax exemption will also complete a detail sheet. The reporting deadline is April 1, 2026.
If you have any questions about the reporting process, please contact Katherine Mitchell at Katherine.Mitchell@commerce.wa.gov.
From our partners
MRSC: Accessing clean energy tax credits
RCO: Grant funds for park planning to open for applications in May
The Recreation and Conservation Office’s Planning for Recreation Access (PRA) program will open for applications in May.
The PRA program provides grants for outdoor recreation planning projects in small rural communities and dense urban neighborhoods in areas of Washington state with a high need for park development or renovation.
Funding can be used for comprehensive park planning efforts as well as single facility planning including site design, construction planning, and permitting. No matching funds are required for this program.
Visit RCO’s PRA webpage for more information or contact RCO’s technical assistance team by emailing Edison Velez at Edison.Velez@rco.wa.gov.
|
WGS: Washington Geological Survey releases new 2001 Nisqually earthquake fact sheet
The Washington Geological Survey released the new 2001 Nisqually Earthquake fact sheet in February. With the 25th anniversary of the earthquake occurring on February 28, WGS retells the story of the magnitude-6.8 earthquake that shook the ground for about one minute and was felt widely in the Puget Sound region and beyond. The fact sheet also provides general information about the three types of damaging tectonic earthquakes that occur in the Pacific Northwest.
For more information, contact Ashley Streig, Earthquake Hazards and Geophysics Program Manager, at Ashley.Streig@dnr.wa.gov.
|
Upcoming events
PAW annual conference set for April
The Planning Association of Washington will host its annual conference April 22 to 24 at Campbell’s Resort in Chelan.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Pathways to Possibility: Planning, Policy, and Practicality.” Registration is open now.
Visit PAW’s website for more information.
|
Short Course on Local Planning
Commerce’s Short Course on Local Planning provides an overview of land use and comprehensive planning laws in Washington.
If you have taken the Short Course, we’d like to encourage you to take a quick, three-question survey. The submissions are anonymous and will help us improve the Short Course. We appreciate your time.
Also consider joining us for an upcoming Short Course. All courses are free and open to the public.
Upcoming Short Courses
Periodic Update Workshops
Commerce routinely hosts workshops on specific elements of the periodic update process. These workshops provide valuable opportunities for local jurisdictions to understand and meet the requirements of the periodic update. Please consider joining us for an upcoming workshop to learn more about planning in Washington.
Upcoming workshops
Critical Areas (2 of 2)
Regional Planners’ Forums
Commerce presents the Regional Planners’ Forums in partnership with the Planning Association of Washington and Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association.
These forums offer a free opportunity for planners, officials and community members to talk informally about local issues, share ideas and receive updates from state and federal agencies.
Upcoming Planners’ Forums
Eastern Planners’ Forum
Peninsula Planners’ Forum
|
