Community

Position Statements

The State of Washington needs to manage resources in the most efficient manner possible. Livable communities are a critical human and environmental resource in the State of Washington. They must be continually supported and enhanced for the benefit of all our citizens. Architects are uniquely suited to use their professional knowledge, training and experience to create and enhance livable communities and spaces within them where people live, work, and play.

The Council is committed to the maintenance and enhancement of the Washington State communities. This commitment includes the support of environmentally sound and socially responsible development and re-development of rural, suburban, and urban places in ways that make clear, positive contributions to the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life for citizens.

The Council contends uncoordinated and unplanned growth pose threats to the environment, sustainable economic development, and quality of life. Citizens, communities, regions, and businesses benefit from cooperative and coordinated land use planning regulation, and the fair balancing individual property rights with the common good

Because of this commitment and conviction, the Council supports the intent of the growth management legislation as the fundamental basis for land use planning in the State of Washington.

Strategies must be developed for financing, such as tax increment financing, community reinvestment funding, and urban enterprise and empowerment zones, to give state and local governments the tools to capitalize and leverage investments in jobs, housing, infrastructure and public amenities.