Article submitted by: Jim Herbert ~
The Washington State Growth Management Act of 1993 was approved by the Legislature to control growth through policy and zoning. It has worked by concentrating development and preserving agricultural areas and open space. In contrast, however, It has failed to provide sustainable affordable housing. The control of water rights has a similar orthogonal outcome as land use. The demand for affordability has had a perhaps equal, serious impact on transportation and the resultant time and cost on citizens and business throughout the state as the work force “drives to where they qualify” for housing whether to rent or own.
Policy based solely on political platforms without independent and reliable science should be mandated as the first step.
Jim Herbert is a resident of Kittitas County, former Chair of Life Support, Professor of Business, Economist.
Leave a Reply