Futurewise gave Pierce County the “Excellence in County Planning” award at their annual meeting in May at their Spring Celebration.
The award recognized the county’s stewardship of the land and celebrated on-going partnerships for habitat conservation and connectivity. In particular the award recognized Pierce County based on its innovative approach to land use, regional coordination, and alignment with Washington State’s Growth Management Act.
With the election of Ryan Mello as county Executive, he has made changes to the Planning department which is moving forward on the Complete the Streets legislation that will enhance the livability of Spanaway Community Plan.
“We are in a moment when a lot of people are losing faith in our democratic institutions and we need to remind ourselves that government – through legal, accountable, democratic systems – can and does achieve big things that empower us to live our best lives,” said Brennan, Executive Director.
Excellence in County Planning Award
“In Pierce County, Futurewise and Pierce County council hasn’t always had the best relationship,” said Brennan. “For that reason, when we looked across the region and began gathering input for these awards, I was delighted to see that Pierce County was a standout success.”
“The corridor’s plan focused growth near high-capacity transit, reduced their previously oversized urban growth area, and removed harmful rural density bonuses.
“Over the years Futurewise made a significant contribution protecting farms and forests, and saving taxpayers money through more efficient urban growth. In the past they led an effort to increase the designation of farmland from 17,000 acres to 29,000 acres.
The Comprehensive Plan, adopted earlier this year, was led by the Long-Range Planning Division in the Planning and Public Works Department. The plan sets a bold course for growth management, environmental protection, housing, transportation, and economic development.
“This award reflects years of hard work, collaboration and vision among our staff and community,” said County Executive Ryan Mello. “This plan provides an essential foundation for all our efforts to build communities that are safe, welcoming and connected.”
“The County touches people’s lives with programs for childcare and safe roads to more housing and open spaces, so we can make sure Pierce County is a place people are proud to call home,” said Mello.
Last year Pierce County took seriously the new requirements to plan for housing at all income levels, including temporary shelter. Here are highlights from the plan which include:
- Housing:Accommodating up to 250,000 new homes in urban areas, expanding housing choices, supporting affordability and prioritizing neighborhoods that are more walkable and designed with people and the planet in mind.
- Environment:Conserving up to 100,000 acres of natural lands, increasing urban tree canopy, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030.
- Transportation:Advancing multimodal transportation, active travel options, and implementing Vision Zero principles that help us all arrive home safely.
- Equity:Investing in historically underserved communities and increasing access to essential services like childcare and high-speed internet in rural areas.
Executive Ryan Mello and Councilmember Robyn Denson were both leaders in this new direction. They also attended Futurewise’s Spring Celebration to accept the award.
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