Our state and county invest in regional planning to prevent wasteful spending and protect the environment. This guides where roads, transit and trail investments are made. Goals include building infrastructure where it is most cost-effective with taxpayer dollars, and protecting the environment.

This is why Black Diamond is designated as a small city. Black Diamond is in the foothills and is a long distance from regional job centers and transit investments. Black Diamond is still expected to absorb a massive amount of growth for its size, more than doubling from its current size. However, the comprehensive plan as drafted gives big developers zoning for much more growth.

This regional transit map from Puget Sound Regional Council gives perspective.

Read more in the Regional Transportation Plan or in PSRC’s Vision 2050.