Critical Analysis

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nCritical Analysis

nThe article, climbing the Mountain called ‘Growth Management by Tovar (2015) examines the impact of the Growth Management Act (GMA) in the Washington state. The legislation mandates all cities and counties to safeguard areas that are prone to environmental degradation and initiate conservation of forestry and agricultural lands. In addition, it offered planning goals and legal requirements to the state. The author attempts to discuss whether the legislation has accomplished its original purpose after conducting the study in the Central Puget Sound region (Tovar, 2015).

nThe state of Washington required a strategic planning in the early 1990s in order to address the challenges associated with rapid growth of populations. Some of these challenges included environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure and traffic congestions (Tovar, 2015). It is evident from the article that the implementation of Growth Management Act (GMA) has generated positive impacts in the state. For instance, the author reviewed statistics, which indicated that the state of Washington has recorded significant success in reducing congestions in the fastest, largest urban counties. For instance, in the last decade ending 2011, ratio of the residential growth in urban counties increased to 96 from 85 percent (Tovar, 2015).

nApparently, the article pointed out that the state has registered a decline in conflicts between the local authorities. In this regard, it is clear that the new law played a major part in clarifying various roles of special district, cities and counties. In this respect, the majority of the counties had stopped conflicting with their cities when offering crucial services to the urban dwellers (Tovar, 2015). In fact, the researcher argued that the counties had taken the obligation for regional resolutions such as formulating urban growth borders and employment targets as well as assigning population to cities. Consequently, the article noted that all these measures contributed to the incorporation of over 15 new cities. Similarly, the study noted that since 1990 there were numerous annexations. More importantly, the article observed that more than 65 percent of residents in Washington are now living in incorporated regions. Interestingly, prior to the implementation of this legislation, only 49 per cent of the citizens lived in those areas. For instance, it was noted that the proportion of people living in urban centres has increased to 83 per cent in different countries especially in King County (Tovar, 2015).

nThe state has also registered positive impacts in terms of the construction of crucial public facilities. Since the introduction of GMA, the statutory provisions have enabled easier construction of local indispensible public infrastructure by protecting them from parochial sanctions. In addition, the legislation eliminated costly and unnecessary delays (Tovar, 2015). For this reason, the NIMBYs or local authority could not limit the extension of an international airport, block the arrangement plans of a sewage treatment plant in the area or prescribe the positioning of a local transit line. Notably, the article revealed out that these critical infrastructures have been constructed in the Seattle region in the past few years (Tovar, 2015).

nIn terms of environmental protection, the implementation of GMA has provided unprecedented positive effects. Precisely, the state has recorded better management and safeguard of shorelines, streams and wetland. In addition, the implementation of the act has helped to reduce the rate at which productive lands for agriculture was being lost in the state (Tovar, 2015). More significantly, the legislative body amended the GMA in 2009, which banned the extension of areas earmarked for urban growth into the water meadow of Western Washington Rivers. However, planning for development is a contentious issue at the state and local level. Nonetheless, the comprehensive planning and the legislation have taken place. Moreover, several attempts to repeal the act have failed as both the legislature and the voters have disallowed those efforts. Some of the departments such as Commerce Department in the state projected that nearly 99 percent of the regional action in the rapidly growing counties abide by the provisions of the GMA (Tovar, 2015).

nMore significantly, it is evident from the article that the statutory provisions facilitate better ways of making and execution of plans in the city, county and state. For instance, the state intends to implement climate change measures aiming to minimize greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. In the past, it is clear that the Washingtons Legislature has encountered challenges to enact laws on GHG reduction (Tovar, 2015). Therefore, the authorities are looking for ways to amend the GMA in a manner that it would compel governments to transform statewide aims into local and regional actions.

nThe GMA would also play a significant part in actualization of open space strategy in the region. The strategy aims to foster partnership between various stakeholders in the state aiming to sustain human, economic and environmental health in the region characterized by widespread change and growth (Tovar, 2015). The act will help in realizing benefits in the ecosystem, carbon sequestration and eliminating stress and obesity. The GMA will also contribute immensely in the strategic comprehensive plans of the state. For instance, there should comprehensive plans focusing on capital budget and land use, which will assist in solving the problems such as rising levels of expenditures, and diminishing revenues in the counties (Tovar, 2015). In this regard, DMA will help in priority-based budgeting and economic growth.

nSignificance of Planning

nIt is clear from the critical analysis of the article; the state of Washington requires proper planning. It plays a significant part in the elimination of disasters and barriers in cities because it introduces better systems of management. In addition, planning is significant because it introduces tactical approaches to deal with prevalent challenges in the society.

nHow to do Planning

nA state can achieve proper planning, by setting the objectives of its dwellers. In addition, good plans are developed after understanding the problems facing the people. Similarly, planning is done based on international protocols and conventions such as the Kyoto Protocol on GHGs.

nWho plans and who receives

nThe planners have the greatest responsibility to ensure that the city or state has the best plans. On the other hand, the customers are the beneficiaries of these types of plans, which are meant to stir development. However, there is not clear association between customers and planners.

nComplexity and interconnectedness of planning

nImplementing clear plans in the state is a complex process since it encompasses use of a wide set of actors, and results which has robust effects on the people. Many actors must be engaged in the planning including the residents, financial institutions, and political leaders. The planning also requires the planners to acquire insights from other stakeholders such as the gated community, town development council and land users.

nPlanning for Public Goods

nThe principles of planning dictate that when planning, the public interest should come top of other individual interest. The decision makers must ensure that the social welfare is satisfied in the planning process. For this reason, in the state of Washington, the main aim should be geared towards realizing better national health indicators, regional gains, and community benefits as opposed to individual gains. Finally, planning should be aimed at achieving better outcomes in the future.

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nReferences

nTovar J. (2015). Climbing the Mountain called ‘Growth Management: Washingtons States 25-year-old law: outcomes and issues. Journal of Management and Planning, 81(1) p.36