One of several ways in which Growth Management Services provides direct assistance to local communities is through the Short Course on Local Planning.  This three-hour workshop which covers the legal basis of planning in Washington State, explains the basics of comprehensive planning and plan implementation, and discusses the role of the planning commission.

The Short Course is co-sponsored by the Planning Association of Washington.  There is no charge to attend (or sponsor) a course session.  Courses are scheduled at the request of local communities, and are always open to the public.

Copies of the Short Course Manual are available on CD.  Please email Linda Weyl to request a copy of the Short Course CD.

Questions about holding a Short Course in your community?   Call  Janet Rogerson, Short Course Manager, at 360.725.3047

or email questions to:  Janet Rogerson 

Sponsoring a Short Course for your Community 

Links to the Short Course Manual 

Short Course Manual Introduction Pages, Table of Contents, New to Planning Commission-Some Key Questions, How to Arrange a Short Course

• Short Course Manual Table of Contents
• Short Course Manual Chapter 1 - Legal and Practical Objectives of Planning
• Short Course Manual Chapter 2 - Citizen Participation and the Public Process
• Short Course Manual Chapter 3 - The Growth Management Act
• Short Course Manual Chapter 4 - Constitutional Rights and Responsibilities in Planning
• Short Course Manual Chapter 5 - Development Tools and Techniques
• Short Course Manual Chapter 6 - Planning and Environmental Legislation
• Short Course Manual Chapter 7 - The Shoreline Management Act
• Short Course Manual Chapter 8 - County/Tribal Planning Issues
• Short Course Manual Chapter 9 - Transportation Planning in Washington
• Short Course Manual Chapter 10 - Annexation Procedures