City of Washougal adopts new strategic plan

The Washougal City Council approved an updated five-year strategic plan for the City on Monday, May 8.

The plan “outlines a clear and comprehensive vision for the future of the city over the next five years,” according to a news release. 

“The plan is a roadmap for progress that will guide decision-making and resource allocation to achieve the city’s vision,” the news release states. “(It) is intended to serve as a catalyst for positive change in Washougal, improving the quality of life for residents and attracting new businesses and investment.”

Developed over the course of the past year with input from community members, business leaders, and city officials, the plan incorporates feedback gathered through a variety of channels, including surveys, public forums and stakeholder meetings,, according to the news release. The planning process was led by consulting firm BerryDunn and a project team made up of key city staff.

“We are grateful for the input and support of our community members, who helped shape this plan and ensure that it reflects our shared values and vision,” City Manager David Scott said. “With this plan in place, we have a solid framework to guide our efforts and decisions as we move forward as a community to achieve our vision.”

The new plan focuses on five strategic priorities: economic development and community prosperity; financial health and core services; vibrant town center; smart growth; and redefined community identity.

Each of these priorities “has specific goals and timelines for implementation, as well as metrics for measuring progress,” according to the news release.

“We are thrilled to release this new strategic plan, which represents a significant milestone for our city,” said Mayor David Stuebe. “We believe that the plan will help us build a stronger, more vibrant community for years to come, and we are committed to working closely with residents and stakeholders to make it a reality.”

The City will begin implementing the plan immediately, with a focus on achieving short-term goals and laying the foundation for longer-term initiatives. The plan will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and responsive to the changing needs of the community, the news release states.

“This strategic plan represents a significant step forward for Washougal,” Stuebe said. “By working together and focusing our efforts on specific goals, we can achieve great things for our community. I am proud to be a part of this effort and excited to see the positive impact it will have.”

To view the plan, visit cityofwashougal.us/strategicplan.