Canyon Park Background

Why a new vision for the Canyon Park Regional Growth Center?

• Population and employment growth is occurring at a rapid pace.  It is better to have a plan for this growth that reflects the community’s character.
• The Canyon Park Regional Growth Center currently has 1,400 people (787 households) and more than 10,000 employees. There are plans for 4,454 more people in 2,743 households and an additional 753 jobs.
• The Canyon Park area was developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s and it is time for an update to reflect today’s needs for housing and employment

Why is the Canyon Park Regional Growth Center important for the City?

• Regional Growth Centers (RGCs) provide opportunities for businesses and employers to start, grow or locate businesses close to existing housing and services.
• The Canyon Park RGC is near major freeways, highways and arterials (Interstate 405; state routes 522, 202, 527 and 524; and 228th Street SE).  
• The Canyon Park RGC designation helps the City get federal and state funds to pay for local road improvements.  

What are Regional Growth Centers?

• The State of Washington Growth Management Act contains a goal to accommodate the majority of population and employment growth within designated urban areas and direct growth away from rural or natural resource lands.  
• The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) has adopted a Regional Comprehensive Plan called the VISION 2040 Plan that designates a portion of the Canyon Park area as a Regional Growth Center.  
• Regional Growth Centers must accommodate certain minimum ‘activity levels’ (population + employment). The Canyon Park RGC does not currently meet these levels.