Law Seminars International: Land Use and the Growth Management Act Conference
- Confluence Law
- Feb 17
- 2 min read
February 19-20, 2026 | Virtual
Join Jamie Morin of Confluence Law at Law Seminars International’s Land Use and the Growth Management Act conference for a discussion on water supply limitations, coordinated planning under the GMA, drought and curtailment challenges, and evolving water market demands alongside Brett Bovee of WestWater Research.
Who Will Benefit from Attending
Attorneys, land use planners, real estate, land use, and environmental professionals, Tribal, city and county officials, and anyone else involved in land use issues or managing growth and development in Washington
Why You Will Benefit from Attending
Affordable housing continues to be a dominant concern in the state and particularly in the Puget Sound region. This virtual conference will take a deep dive into those issues and how we can best address them.
You'll also hear about a variety of other land use issues and developments. These include Ecology's Shoreline Management Act Rulemaking and emerging trends as local governments update their critical area designations. Due to climate change and ongoing drought conditions, wildfires are a growing concern. You will hear about the role local governments can play to reduce exposure wildfire risks.
Water for new development has become challenging due to water supply limitations and competing demands from large private users. Those now include data center operators who need large quantities of water for cooling. We will update you on current legal issues and water market conditions so that you can understand the implications for local land use planning and permitting.
The state's efforts to address climate change and incorporate environmental justice considerations have run into headwinds due to the Trump administration's dramatic reversal of federal environmental policies. You will hear about the friction points, court challenges, and tips for resolving conflicts.
What You Will Learn
Legislative & Case Law Updates
Futurewise v. Mercer Island on affordable housing compliance
Other developments in implementation of housing & related legislation
The housing crisis in the context of demographic shifts and construction surges
The housing balancing act for local governments
Nexus and proportionality in land use planning
Shoreline Management Plans and Critical Area ordinance updates
Federal environmental policy vs. state climate and EJ goals
The role of state and local governments in reducing exposure to wildfire risks
Water for new development
Ethical issues in land use practice
Register now to secure your spot!
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