Regional Planning for Growth on Display in the Pacific Northwest

The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) released a new "Regional Centers Framework."

1 minute read

April 16, 2018, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Seattle

Checubus / Shutterstock

"The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) has adopted a new framework for identifying and designating Regional Growth Centers (RGCs) and Manufacturing/Industrial Centers (M/ICs) in the counties of King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Kitsap," reports Stephen Fesler.

"The new framework is an important step as the PSRC moves forward with updating VISION 2040, the regional comprehensive planning policy guide," adds Fessler.

The new framework updates a previous version of the document released in the fall, with some substantial changes regarding mix of uses and transit service. The Framework designates two kinds of Regional Growth Centers: Urban Growth Centers and Metro Growth Centers. "The bar to qualify for Metro Growth Centers is much higher since these are expected to function as very productive areas such as Downtown Seattle and Downtown Bellevue," explains Fessler.

The plan also includes definitions of Manufacturing/Industrial Centers, Countywide Growth Centers, and a few other center types in addition to the Regional Growth Centers. The article includes a lot more detail on the definition of each center type.

Thursday, April 12, 2018 in The Urbanist

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Close-up on woman in white and blue striped knee-length dress standing next to mint green cruiser bike resting against low wrought iron fence in front of green lawn.

Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.

30 minutes ago - domus

Close-up of man in manually operated wheelchair waiting at urban crosswalk.

Making Mobility More Inclusive

A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.

1 hour ago - Greater Good Magazine

US and Texas flags flying in front of Texas state capitol dome in Austin, Texas.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness

A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

2 hours ago - The Texas Tribune