Military Growth

Joint Base Lewis-McChord

When Fort Lewis Army Base and McChord Air Force Base combined into Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) on January 31, 2010, the base became the largest military installation in the western United States. JBLM encompasses over 415,000 acres, including the Yakima Training Center in Central Washington. It will support a population both on-base and in neighboring communities of more than 125,000 people, including military personnel, families, civilian and contract employees, and retirees and their families. This growth will present multiple opportunities and challenges to JBLM and the surrounding communities.

Military Benefits

One of the benefits of this military growth is the economic impact to the communities surrounding JBLM, including DuPont. The military creates a stable source of employment and tax revenue for the local economies. In fact, JBLM is the third largest employer in the State of Washington.

Growth Planning

A growth coordination planning process commenced in late 2009 to help address the challenges of providing basic services and infrastructure associated with the rapid growth both on-base and in the surrounding communities. The Growth Coordination Plan identifies key opportunities for increased collaboration and support for our military families and personnel, focusing on key areas of housing, education, transportation, public safety, and health care, among others. 

Out of this planning process emerged the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership. The partnership serves as a single point of contact to ensure that surrounding communities are fully aware of troop deployments and other base activities likely to result in impacts on or benefits to the region. The Regional Steering Committee (consisting of representatives from JBLM and area communities) and the Elected Officials Council are responsible for implementing the strategies identified in the Growth Coordination Plan. 

Learn More

The final Growth Coordination Plan, information regarding the ongoing Joint Base Lewis McChord Joint Land Use Study, and other information on the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership.