Vision 2044

Comp Plan MLT Vision 2044_Project Logo_LARGE

What is the Purpose of a Comprehensive Plan?

A comprehensive plan is the official document that establishes a series of goals, policies, and benchmarks to guide the future development of the city, including development regulation decisions of elected officials and local government staff.

The comprehensive planning process builds consensus and commitment on these goals and policies from elected and appointed officials, staff, the overall community, and other interested parties. The final adopted comprehensive plan allows the city to be proactive and manage its growth to achieve the community’s vision.

Growth Management in Washington State

Comprehensive planning in Washington is performed under the Growth Management Act (GMA), a legislative package requiring certain cities and counties to adopt comprehensive plans to manage population growth. The City of Mountlake Terrace is required to plan under the GMA and must adopt a comprehensive plan satisfying the requirements by December 2024.

The Office of Financial Management is tasked with developing population projections for each jurisdiction. Mountlake Terrace is required to determine where growth (population, housing units, and jobs) should occur and use their comprehensive planning process to make sure the city can accommodate the projections (RCW 36.70A.115). 

The comprehensive plan is organized into Elements, which include the following:

  • Environment 
  • Economic Vitality
  • Housing
  • Land Use
  • Recreation, Parks, and Open Space 
  • Transportation
  • Capital Facilities 
  • Utilities 

Recent changes to state law also need to be addressed through the comprehensive planning process, such as housing affordability, equity, and climate change.

The GMA places an emphasis on implementation, since most goals and polices in a comprehensive plan cannot be achieved without strong regulatory and financial support (such as zoning, capital spending, and non-capital spending).

How To Get Involved:




  1. Jonathan Morales

    Senior Planner

  2. Christy Osborn

    Director, Community & Economic Development

SURVEYFlower Icon for Survey MLT Comp Plan

What would you like to see in your community as it grows? What’s important to you?

Join in the fun and participate in the planning for the next 20 years in Mountlake Terrace! 

Click the link above to take our short survey and let us know your “Big Ideas” for Mountlake Terrace. 


Sign up for Notifications

Please sign up for email notifications if you would like to stay informed of opportunities to get involved and provide input, and general updates on the Vision 2044 Comprehensive Plan update.



TIMELINE

timeline for city comp plan website

Documents and Resources