Have a say in Camas’ future

During planning commission and city council meetings, there are times where citizens have wondered out loud how and when certain decisions have been made regarding land use and development issues. Sometimes, by the time a specific project is being proposed and the development application is submitted, some key decisions have already gone through a public process.

These types of far-reaching land-use concepts are part of the comprehensive planning efforts, typically completed every 20 years according to the state’s Growth Management Act.

For those who have ever thought about getting involved so that they can have an influence on some of these decisions, the time is now.

Since July 2014, the city of Camas has been working through the process of updating its comprehensive plan. This massive document is the framework guiding how the city will develop.

According to city leaders, “The purpose of the updated Camas vision and comprehensive plan is to preserve what the community values most about the city today, while providing ideal conditions for housing, jobs, recreation and other important factors for future generations.”

An open house to review and comment on a draft version and accompanying maps will be held Thursday, Jan. 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Lacamas Lake Lodge, 227 N.E. Lake Road. Opinions and perspectives are also being accepted through a survey at www.camas2035.com through Jan. 22.

The last time a comprehensive plan update was conducted was in 2004. Since that time, the city’s demographics have changed greatly. The population has nearly tripled. With 7,430 residents in 1994, the city currently has 20,880 residents. By 2035, it is estimated that number will jump to 35,000.

The comprehensive planning process efforts must be wrapped up by June 2016. For those who have ever wished they had they opportunity to weigh-in on future growth and development issues, the time is now.