Currently in Thurston County

In 2004, Futurewise appealed the Thurston County Comprehensive Plan because it promoted urban sprawl.  More than 21,000 acres in the rural areas allowed densities of more than one residence per two acres, which typically produces developments that chew up working farms and soak taxpayers to build roads, extend sewers and provide police protection for these new sprawling developments.

Hearings Board Decision

On July 20, 2005 the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board held that these inadequacies violate the Growth Management Act and must be corrected; Thurston County appealed this decision. 

Court of Appeals Decision

On April 3, 2007 the Court of Appeals decided almost entirely in Futurewise’s favor.  The Court of Appeals upheld the Board’s determination that Thurston County’s urban growth areas were too large by 7,000 acres and that the County must provide for a variety of rural densities, which must be less dense than 1 housing unit per 5 acres. We are now working to encourage the County to stop wasting taxpayer money and to start protecting our drinking water and rural character.

To learn about the Rural Rezone Proposals, please click here.

Please click here to email the County Commissioners and ask them to better protect your community against sprawl.