January 5, 2022
LEAD: Legislative Education, Advocacy & Direction
2022 Edition 1

APA Washington’s Legislative Committee: 
Influencing Public Policy through the 2022 Legislative Process

The 68th Legislative Session short session of 60 days begins January 10, 2022. The APA Washington Legislative Committee (LC) will be meeting via Zoom weekly on Fridays at noon, beginning January 7, to track legislative initiatives, review proposed changes to Washington law, and provide comments and testimony to the Legislature’s committee members during workshops and meetings. If you would like to join the Zoom meetings, please email: [email protected]

The Chapter lobbyist participates in the weekly Zoom calls and presents proposed bills of interest to APA Washington, which are added to a bill tracking list, and provides information on upcoming hearings as well as legislative deadlines and other relevant information, including positions that have been set forth by allied professionals and other stakeholders on pending legislation. 

During the weekly meeting, LC members volunteer/are assigned bills to review. Among the items relied upon by the reviewers are the current and past APA Washington Legislative Agendas, National APA Policy Guides, and other resources and positions set forth by APA Washington.  

The LC operates on a consensus basis regarding the position, if any, of APA Washington on bills reviewed. However, the Chapter President or Vice President can send a letter, even if consensus is not reached. Letters are generally signed by the Chapter President.  

The 2022 APA Washington Legislative Agenda calls for the following actions:

  • Washington Needs to Act Immediately to Plan for Climate Change
  • Eliminate Homelessness and Increase Affordable Housing Choices
  • Apply Equity Lens for Environmental Justice
  • Provide Fiscal Support for Essential Planning
  • Transform the Transportation System
  • Ensure Infrastructure Investments Support Climate Resilience and Equity
  • Reform Annexation Policies and Procedures
  • Ensure Coordinated Planning for Schools
  • Align Periodic Update Cycles and Census (Comprehensive Plans)

A list of pre-filed bills for this 68th State Legislative Session includes several bills addressing issues of interest to APA Washington. 

American Planning Association, Washington Chapter

[email protected] | (206) 682-7436 | www.washington-apa.org