Addressing the Growth Management Hearings Board Decision and Creating a Livable Seattle for All
On September 9, the Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board (GMHB) issued a decision on a legal challenge to our Comprehensive Plan.
The decision upheld the City’s Comprehensive Plan including our racial equity in housing and water infrastructure planning.
Unfortunately, the Board found our environmental impact statement (EIS) inadequate because the City did not analyze the “maximum possible development.” The Board has required the City to redo this technical analysis based on the “maximum possible development” rather than the 20-year growth estimates typically used.
This supplemental analysis is due in one year and we will start work on it immediately. The Comprehensive Plan and associated zoning changes adopted by City Council remain in effect while we prepare the new analysis.
At the same time, Mayor Wilson supports City Attorney Erika Evans’ decision to appeal the GMHB ruling in court.
The City is working to complete the additional environmental analysis to respond to the Board’s decision. At the same time the City Attorney’s office is pursuing an appeal of the Board’s decision.
In 2027, OPCD will release a draft of the additional environmental review required by the Board for public consideration and feedback and complete the final environmental analysis to be reviewed by the GMHB by September 2027.
Mayor Wilson supports City Council to restart its review of the proposed Centers and Corridors legislation as soon as OPCD completes the additional technical analysis. The Mayor has directed OPCD to lay the groundwork for another phase of zoning changes that will focus on ensuring housing options off arterial roads, in transit station areas, and within walking distance of parks and schools – especially for families.
OPCD continues to work to help our city become a more livable place as we move through the next 20 years and beyond.
EIS studies take time and returning to this work with a new growth number will delay the work of the Comprehensive Plan. There will be a slowdown in our ability to bring forward programs and policies that help Seattle prepare for future growth.
The Board’s decision also affects zoning changes currently under review by City Council to allow more housing options along our city’s transit corridors and in new walkable Neighborhood Centers.
The Centers and Corridors legislation as well as the Downtown Regional Center Subarea Plan have been put on hold until the supplemental EIS is completed.
Seattle is a growing city, and we are planning for a future where everyone belongs, and neighborhoods are connected and resilient. Through thoughtful zoning changes that strengthen communities and protect the environment, we are supporting a wider range of housing opportunities.
Every neighborhood should have housing choices for people across all incomes and backgrounds. New residents should be able to settle in, longtime residents should be able to stay and thrive, working families should be able to comfortably raise their kids, and communities should be able to remain safe without fear of displacement.
Our land use policies and programs will support this vision.
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