The GMA emphasizes citizen participation. It is a GMA goal.  “Early and continuous public involvement” in the planning process is also a GMA requirement. No plan or ordinances can be adopted without public notice and hearings. Local elected local officials make land use decisions after consideration of public comment. 

The emphasis on citizen participation as a result of the GMA is bringing changes in land use planning in the state.  Specific requirements for citizen participation means that issues are brought forward in a systematic manner for review and comment by the public.  It has heightened public awareness of planning issues.

Many local governments in the state have undertaken extensive and innovative public participation that has allowed elected officials to achieve local goals in growth management.  Pacific, King, Thurston, Clark, Spokane, Pierce, Chelan, Kitsap, and Douglas counties and the cities of Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Redmond, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Renton, Vancouver, Kent, Mill Creek, Everett, Shelton, and Olympia are among them.

One of the first successes of the GMA was the increase in coordination between cities and counties. With the requirement to adopt county-wide planning policies before GMA comprehensive plans were developed, enhanced communication between cities-counties is occurring. This is helping throughout the state to address a multitude of issues that occur on a regional basis, such as transportation, provision of services, and water quality.