Opinion ID: 2455395
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: the growth management scheme

Text: ¶ 81 First, I disagree with Madge. The people who designed and administer the State's land use policies are far from pin brains. The legislature saw the benefit of planned, coordinated growth. Growth and development benefit by coordinating infrastructure and services with development while preserving wilderness, wet, and agricultural lands. The legislature adopted the GMA in an effort to ensure appropriate planning. The GMA is not a model of clarity. When disputes arise, as they do, as to how to give effect to the legislature's intent, courts interpret the law. We read the legislation as a whole and interpret provisions in context. Dep't of Ecology v. Campbell & Gwinn, LLC, 146 Wash.2d 1, 9-10, 43 P.3d 4 (2002). To give the words of legislation meaning, we may resort to dictionaries. City of Spokane ex rel. Wastewater Mgmt. Dep't v. Dep't of Revenue, 145 Wash.2d 445, 454, 38 P.3d 1010 (2002) (citing State v. Pacheco, 125 Wash.2d 150, 154, 882 P.2d 183 (1994)). Generally speaking, local bodies are invited or required to develop plans, to periodically revise those plans, and to show their work. RCW 36.70A.020, .130, .215. The growth management boards review the growth management plans of counties and cities to ensure compliance with state law. RCW 36.70A.250. At least in concept, it is a good scheme.