Development myths
Growth pays for itself.
Clark County is the fastest growing county in the state of Washington. If this myth were true, wouldn't we also be the richest county in the state?
GMA restricts growth.
The increase in population from 1990 to 2000 was 13.2 % in the US, 21.1 % in Washington state, and 45.0% in Clark County.
High levels of growth led to the adoption of the GMA in 1990. GMA manages, but does not control, the state's rapid growth. Without GMA this growth would severely tax our communities, public facilities and services, environment and economy.
Calculate population growth estimates on historical trends.
Historically, Clark County has taken more than twice our fair share of new homes. This plan update will continue this imbalance by planning for a higher residential growth rate (2%) than the metro area average (1.47%).
Regulations raise costs to the point developers will stop building.
Record-breaking housing starts and basic market principles show that regulations have not and will not cause developers to stop building.
Density increases traffic congestion.
Sprawl is a major source of increased vehicle use because it creates longer travel distances and increases dependence on the automobile. Density makes public transit services feasible.
Impact fees are too high.
Many studies suggest that the cost of new development is tens of thousands of dollars higher than impact fees. Because impact fees do not cover the actual costs for roads, sewer, schools, etc. generated by new housing developments, current taxpayers make up the difference.
Clark County taxpayers subsidize new development through higher taxes and/or reduced public services.
Growth regulations create a buildable land supply shortage.
Quite the opposite - the GMA requires county planners to provide adequate land within the urban growth boundary areas to meet needs for housing, employment, and public uses for the 20 year planning period. It also requires an analysis every 5 years to ensure that adequate buildable land is available.
Growth management regulations prevent developers from building affordable housing.
For decades, housing affordability has been a problem for first-time buyers and low-income renters. This myth blames the solution - growth management - for the problem, rapid growth. GMA requires local government to provide for adequate, affordable housing. It also requires that growth occur first where infrastructure is nearby, which results in lower costs.
There is no evidence that escalating local land and housing prices are out of line with the rest of the west coast. The myth ignores significant increases in home size, quality, and the amenities that are provided.
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