Growth Management Act

Definition

The Growth Management Act (GMA) is a legislative framework established to promote responsible urban development and land use planning, primarily in the United States. The GMA aims to ensure that growth occurs in an organized manner, balancing economic development with environmental sustainability, while also considering community needs and infrastructure requirements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Growth Management Act was first enacted in Washington State in 1990 and has inspired similar legislation in other states.
2. The GMA requires local governments to create comprehensive plans that outline how they will manage growth over a specified period.
3. The act emphasizes the importance of public participation in the planning process, ensuring that community members have a voice in decisions affecting their neighborhoods.
4. One of the key objectives of the GMA is to reduce urban sprawl by encouraging higher-density development in urban areas rather than expanding into rural lands.
5. The act promotes coordination among different levels of government and agencies to align resources and policies for effective growth management.

Review Questions

• How does the Growth Management Act address the issue of urban sprawl and what strategies does it promote?
  • The Growth Management Act addresses urban sprawl by requiring local governments to create comprehensive plans that promote higher-density development within existing urban areas. This strategy encourages infill development, which makes efficient use of available land and resources while minimizing the expansion into rural areas. By emphasizing smart growth principles, the GMA seeks to create sustainable communities that reduce dependence on automobiles and protect open spaces.
• Discuss the role of public participation in the Growth Management Act's planning process and its importance for effective growth management.
  • Public participation is a critical element of the Growth Management Act's planning process as it ensures that community members can voice their concerns and preferences regarding growth and development. The act mandates opportunities for public input during the formulation of comprehensive plans, which helps create a sense of ownership among residents. Engaging the public leads to better-informed decisions that reflect the values and needs of the community, ultimately resulting in more sustainable and accepted growth outcomes.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Growth Management Act in achieving its objectives since its implementation, including any challenges it faces in contemporary urban planning.
  • Since its implementation, the Growth Management Act has made significant strides in promoting organized growth and reducing urban sprawl. However, challenges remain, such as balancing economic development with environmental concerns and managing funding for necessary infrastructure improvements. Additionally, political resistance at local levels can hinder effective enforcement of GMA requirements. Evaluating its effectiveness involves examining both successful case studies and areas where growth management efforts have faltered, highlighting the ongoing need for adaptive strategies in urban planning.

Related terms

Urban Sprawl:

The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural land, often leading to negative impacts on the environment, transportation systems, and community cohesion.

Comprehensive Plan: A long-term planning document that outlines a community's vision for growth and development, addressing various aspects such as land use, transportation, housing, and public services.

Impact Fees:

Fees assessed on new development projects to help cover the costs of public infrastructure improvements necessitated by the growth generated by those projects.