Market Analysis for Regional Transfer of Development Rights in

Central Puget Sound

Washington State

Under contract to the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, DC&E developed a framework and mechanisms for a successful four-county TDR program in the Puget Sound region. The analysis determined the market values of rural sending-area landowners’ development rights for purchase by developers within receiving-area cities. The eight receiving-area cities selected for the analysis represented an assortment of rural, urban and metropolitan areas illustrative of established and emerging development markets, residential and commercial development products, and a mix of development schemes. The TDR framework connected the receiving- and sending-areas through a regional bank for transactions and an information clearinghouse to host data about the program. The final report was included in a policy advisory committee report regarding a regional TDR program presented to the Washington State Legislature.