 Planners’ Monthly Newsletter – April 2026
This month: Legislative update, housing department task force, important deadlines
Legislative wrap-up: Update from the 2026 session
The 2026 legislative session brought important updates and new provisions to Washington’s planning framework. We’ve compiled a summary of the session's highlights for communities planning under the Growth Management Act. Read our legislative update for a breakdown of new laws, what they could mean for your community and what to expect from the year ahead.
Help shape Department of Housing recommendations
Commerce is supporting the new Department of Housing Task Force to develop recommendations for a statewide agency focused on housing supply, affordability and homelessness.
The task force will outline a proposed mission, structure, and operational plan for the new department, including the consolidation of existing state programs. A final report will be submitted to the Legislature and the governor for consideration during the 2027 legislative session.
The task force is seeking input to help shape priorities, program improvements, and measures of effectiveness. A public survey is available through April 26.
Take the Housing Task Force survey.
Learn more on the Department of Housing Task Force website.
Preemptive housing laws are starting to take effect
Several preemptive state laws aimed at increasing housing availability have already taken effect and more will come online throughout 2026. Local governments should be aware that these laws supersede and invalidate any conflicting local development regulations.
Beginning June 30, all cities must allow the conversion of existing buildings to residential uses when the conversion meets certain criteria.
Other laws addressing co-living, accessory dwelling units and middle housing density are already in effect or will preempt local regulations after the jurisdiction’s next periodic update.
See Commerce’s preemption fact sheet for a summary of preemptive state laws and links to supporting guidance.
Voluntary housing element approval available
The Housing Accountability Act (HAA) provides a voluntary process for local governments to receive approval from Commerce of their housing elements and housing-related development regulations.
The voluntary program has several benefits:
- Commerce will provide in-depth technical assistance, including review of drafts and recommend changes for approval.
- Commerce will provide written and verbal testimony in support of an approved plan and regulations.
- Commerce will defend its approval of a jurisdiction’s housing element if it is appealed to the Growth Management Hearings Board.
Jurisdictions interested in voluntary review must notify Commerce approximately 120 days before adoption of their housing element. Please see the Housing Accountability Act fact sheet and frequently asked questions for more information.
Questions? Contact the HAA team at GMSHAA@commerce.wa.gov.
Take our permit-ready plan survey
Does your community use or want a permit-ready plan program? If so, we want your feedback.
Permit-ready (or pre-approved) plans often support infill housing development, such as accessory dwelling units, duplexes, cottage housing, or small-scale multifamily housing.
Please complete our 12-question survey by May 15. Your response will help shape a new statewide resource of permit-ready plans and tools to support local programs across Washington.
Questions? For more information, please contact Lilith Vespier at Lilith.Vespier@commerce.wa.gov.
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. Apply for DCCA.
Provide feedback on draft parking guidance
Commerce is developing guidance to support jurisdictions implementing the Parking Reform and Modernization Act (SB 5184). A draft of the guidance will be available for public comment on the Middle Housing webpage beginning April 20. A public comment webinar is scheduled for May 7. Register to attend the webinar.
 From our partners
MRSC: Inclusionary zoning can bolster affordable housing
Affordable housing remains a top priority for communities across Washington. One way local governments can encourage affordable development is through inclusionary zoning. In a recent article, the Municipal Research and Services Center breaks down the legal basis, statutory requirements and important considerations when creating an inclusionary zoning program.
Read more: Inclusionary Zoning: One Tool for Creating Affordable Housing
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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 and 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.
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OFM: Webinar on reporting population estimates
The Office of Financial Management recently hosted a webinar for city and town representatives that responded to its housing unit and population data collection survey. A recording of the open house webinar (YouTube) and other useful program information is available on the April 1 population estimates program information webpage.
WGS: Mine waste characterization in Washington
The Washington Geological Survey recently published a report characterizing mine waste at 12 inactive mine sites across Washington state as part of the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI). This work assesses critical minerals resources in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey. Read more and download the publication package. Questions? Contact Brennan van Alderwerelt at Brennan.VanAlderwerelt@dnr.wa.gov
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Upcoming events
PAW annual conference in Chelan
The Planning Association of Washington will host its annual conference April 22 to 24 at Campbell’s Resort in Chelan.
This year’s conference theme is “Pathways to Possibility: Planning, Policy, and Practicality.”
Visit PAW’s website for more information.
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Short Course on Local Planning
Commerce presents the Short Course on Local Planning to provide an overview of land use and comprehensive planning laws in Washington.
If you have taken the Short Course, we encourage you to take a quick, three-question survey to help us improve it. The submissions are anonymous. 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
Tribal participation: Includes an overview of HB 1717 (2022) covering tribal participation in planning and tribal relations.
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
Southwest Planners’ Forum
Northwest Planners’ Forum
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