Growth Management Act. A 1990 Washington State law, amended in 1991, designed to address the negative consequences of unprecedented population growth and suburban sprawl in Washington. The GMA requires all cities and counties in the State to do some planning and has more extensive requirements for the largest and fast-growing counties and cities in the State. Its requirements include guaranteeing consistency between the transportation, capital facilities and land use plans.
Growth Management Act. A Washington State law enacted in 1990 in response to rapid population growth and concerns with suburban sprawl, environmental protection, and quality of life. The GMA provides a framework for regional coordination, and counties planning under the GMA are required to adopt county-wide planning policies to guide plan adoption within the county and to establish urban growth areas (UGAs). Local comprehensive plans must include the elements concerng land use, housing, capital facilities, utilities, transportation, and, for counties, a rural element. Shoreline master program policies are also an element of local comprehensive plans.