Greetings PAW Members,

As I write this newsletter, I’m preparing for the PAW Board Retreat. We rotate retreat locations across the state so our board members can experience the diverse communities, cultures, and environments that make Washington such a wonderful place to live and work. Celebrating that diversity is central to planning—and to PAW.

The Education Committee will host an October event at the University of Washington Tacoma. We’ve held similar events in Mercer Island, Yakima, Spokane, and many other communities. At every event, we hear the same message: “If only this event were closer to me!” The good news is, we want to come to you. If you know of an awesome location in your community that can accommodate about 50 people, please send us your suggestions.

I also want to recognize the work of our Membership and Finance Committees. PAW is in a strong financial position, allowing us to strategically invest in our mission and our members. We would not be in this position without the Membership and Conference Committees working together to recruit our annual sponsors. Our Finance Committee is now developing a policy to balance financial stability with investments that advance our mission.

Our first investment is a refresh of the PAW logo, along with security and accessibility upgrades to our website. We’re also exploring new ways to support the professional development of our student members and evaluating a listserv where planners can share tips, resources, and best practices.

As the board prepares for another year of educational, financial, and professional development opportunities, we’ll continue listening to our members and putting your ideas and conversations into action. We’re excited about what’s ahead and grateful to be building it together.

Wishing you crunchy leaves, soft blankets, and a happy fall season,

Mary M. Reinbold, AICP

Revised Shoreline Management Act rules  

The Department of Ecology is proposing changes to state shoreline management rules, including the following key issues:  

• Revised requirements for protecting shoreline areas that frequently flood, are at risk from erosion, and provide important habitat for fish and wildlife 
• Revised requirements for shoreline stabilization emphasizing nature-based approaches instead of hard armor structures such as bulkheads 
• Clarification of requirements for shoreline permitting, compliance processes, and enforcement authorities  
• New requirements cities and counties must follow when they periodically update their shoreline master programs 
• Revised vegetation conservation standards and other requirements to protect shoreline ecosystems 
• New requirement for local governments to address the impact of sea level rise and increased storm severity in their shoreline master programs. 

Proposed revisions to the rules may affect small businesses. Ecology has prepared a Preliminary Regulatory Analysis (PRA) that addresses the potential costs and benefits of the proposed rules. The proposed rulemaking notice (CR-102 form) contains a Small Business Economic Impact Statement. You can get a copy of the PRA and the CR-102 form, see the full proposed rule language, and learn more about the rulemaking, at our website.  

We will be holding a public comment period on the proposed rules, which will run from September 2, 2026, at 12 a.m. through November 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. During this time, you may submit online comments. You may also provide comments orally or in writing at any of our public hearings (see hearing schedule on our website). Please send questions to shorelinerulemaking@ecy.wa.gov.  

 PAW 2026 Bootcamp

• Friday, October 16, 2026
• University of Washington Tacoma | Tacoma, WA

 PAW 2026 Bootcamp

• Friday, October 16, 2026 at 4:30pm
• 7 Seas Brewery and Taproom | 2101 Jefferson Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402

PAW's website has an Employment Board!

There is a fee for job postings: $50 for members and $100 for non-members.

Please submit your job posting and payment by clicking HERE for posting. The employment board is updated every week. For additional information, please email info@planningpaw.org.

The Planning Association of Washington is a non‑profit organization that has supported land use education and planning across Washington State for more than 60 years. Your sponsorship helps us continue offering high‑quality educational programs that bring people together to share innovative solutions to the challenges facing our communities. Good planning doesn’t just happen—your investment makes it possible.

Our annual sponsors receive year‑round visibility, and we are happy to customize benefits for significant supporters. Sponsors are recognized at all PAW events, including our 2026 Annual Conference.

If you’d like to join our growing community of sponsors at any time, please click HERE to become a 2026 Annual Sponsor.