Ordinance 2978-07 - Laserfiche WebLink

EVERETT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN the preceding pages. However, we cannot predict the future; we can only adopt growth strategies based upon our best understanding of likely growth trends and the consequences of implementing a particular strategy. Even the most reliable and sophisticated computer models that have accurately forecasted growth at the regional level have had difficulty in accurately predicting the level and rate of growth for smaller geographic areas the size of Everett's planning subareas. Unforeseen events can affect the amount, rate, composition and location of future job growth, demand for housing, vehicle trip generation, and land development. For example, the decision of a major employer to move into or out of the region could significantly affect the assumptions of Everett's Preferred Alternative. Construction of a regional high capacity transportation system, Federal government decisions about the Navy Homeport in Everett, national and global economic conditions, changes in lifestyles, and technological advancements are events beyond the control of the city that could alter the assumptions of the plan alternatives. The growth concepts contained in the Preferred Alternative are based upon the understanding of growth trends that are foreseen for the central Puget Sound region. The growth levels of Preferred Alternative are based upon the land use designations, policies, infrastructure, and possible outcome of twenty years of growth. Unforeseen events and changes to growth trends will cause Everett and other jurisdictions to reevaluate their comprehensive plans. Such a plan amendment process is anticipated to occur periodically over the life of the growth management comprehensive plan. IX. Countywide Population and Employment Target Reconciliation Process The Growth Management Act requires that the State Office of Financial Management (OFM) dictate the minimum population level for which counties must plan. There is no procedure in the Act for allocating population or employment to smaller sub areas of the county, but it gives each county's legislative body the responsibility to set the population level for each city. There is no requirement in GMA for establishment of a prescribed employment level. In Snohomish County, the process for allocating growth among cities and unincorporated areas of the county is to be determined by Snohomish County Tomorrow. This process is a collaboration among all affected jurisdictions, with the growth targets of each city being accepted to a great extent by the County, and the balance of the growth being allocated to the unincorporated areas. Rather than a specific number, OFM provided a range of population that Snohomish County must accommodate by 2025 (795,725 to 1,062,903). Snohomish County Tomorrow further reduced the range (862,500 to 996,200). Everett adopted preliminary growth targets for Alternative 2 that are at the low end of the range for population and the high end for employment. Following completion of an environmental impact statement and a public participation process, Planning Commission recommended and City Council approved Alternative 2: Adopted Targets. The Comprehensive Plan was approved by City Council in August 2005. Snohomish County approved their 10-Year Comprehensive Plan Update four months later in December 2005. The INTRODUCTION 19