Countywide planning policies 3.16.16

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March 16, 2016 2 PREAMBLE TO THE COUNTY-WIDE PLANNING POLICIES These Planning Policies are to be used solely to establish a framework from which the comprehensive plans of the County and cities within the county are developed and adopted, pursuant to RCW 36.70A, The Growth Management Act. These policies are adopted to ensure consistency and coordination among the comprehensive plans of the County and the cities. Nothing in these policies shall be construed to alter the land use powers of the cities or County. VISION STATEMENT This statement is a general vision of the future of our county, toward which this framework and these policies aim. Kittitas County and the cities will value and protect and enhance the quality of life by protecting the visual and physical environment; fostering economic opportunity, diversity, and security; supporting a wide range of natural resource-based industries; ensuring access to recreational opportunities; promoting educational excellence; and providing for affordable housing and accessible transportation. Discussion and Explanation Planning for growth and change must be based on maintaining and enhancing the existing quality of life, the character of the County, and meeting the needs of the community as a whole. Actualizing this vision requires a collaborative effort among public officials from all jurisdictions and active citizen participation. Public officials have decision making responsibility; however active citizen involvement through a variety of venues must be encouraged and valued. The entire community must be willing to share the burden and the responsibility of achieving mutually identified planning goals. The implementation of County-wide Planning Policies will promote more efficient growth patterns which may result in reduced cost of public services and facilities in the long term due to more logical distribution of governmental services.