How are urban growth areas established?
RCW 36.70A.110, enacted as part of the GMA, indicates that urban growth areas are to be “[b]ased upon the population forecast made for the county by the Office of Financial Management.” OFM is to prepare a reasonable range for its population projections for counties, with the middle range representing the most likely population projection for the county. The county is the body that designates UGAs, and the statute mandates that the county must consult with cities in an attempt to reach agreement on the location of these urban growth areas. • Must counties meet with cities before establishing urban growth areas? Yes. RCW 36.70A.110 mandates that the county attempt to reach agreement with each city on the location of urban growth areas. Cities are to propose urban growth areas and can object formally to the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (DCTED) if they disagree with the county designation. The county must also meet with cities to establish a collaborative proces
