Smart Growth, Strong Communities: What the GMA Means for Woodinville
Confused by the Growth Management Act? You’re not alone. I'm Michelle Evans, and in this video, I break down what the GMA is, why it matters, and how it directly impacts Woodinville’s future—from housing and transportation to parks and public services.
This isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting our community’s ability to make decisions locally. Let’s talk facts, bust some myths, and make sure Woodinville grows on purpose, not by accident.
Did you know Washington state has a law that guides how cities like Woodinville grow? It’s called the Growth Management Act or GMA, and it was passed in 1990 to help communities handle growth responsibly while protecting our quality of life.
Here’s why it was created:
- To stop unplanned sprawl that was putting pressure on schools, traffic, and the environment.
- To protect farmlands, forests, and critical natural areas.
- To empower cities with local control over how we grow—while aligning with smart state-wide goals.
The GMA isn’t just about housing. It touches everything from transportation to open space, water infrastructure to public services. It’s the roadmap we use to plan for tomorrow, while protecting what we love about Woodinville today.
Watch the video for an overview of the Growth Management Act and, more importantly, why it matters to Woodinville.
Helpful Growth Management Act resources
The GMA is overwhelming and complex. That's why I created this downloadable PDF free Cheat sheet to Washington's Growth Management Act - or download this image to share on social media.
Free downloadable Cheat Sheet on Washington State’s Growth Management Act
Official Washington State resources
If you want to dive into all the laws, rules, and changes impacting the Growth Management Act, these helpful links are on the official Washington State Department of Commerce GMA site:
