Washougal launches initiative to guide City growth, development

The city of Washougal has launched its Washougal Onward Comprehensive Plan Update, a 15-month initiative to guide the City’s growth and development through 2045.

Known for “its charm, beautiful natural surroundings, and strong sense of community, Washougal is preparing for a future that preserves these qualities while ensuring sustainable growth,” a news release announcing the initiative’s launch stated, adding, “As a gateway to outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking, Washougal offers residents a unique blend of peaceful living with easy access to urban amenities. The comprehensive plan update will focus on maintaining this balance, addressing land use, middle housing development and infrastructure needs.”

The plan, required under Washington state’s Growth Management Act, addresses various aspects of community life, including land use and zoning; housing options, including “middle housing” for middle-income earners that can include duplexes, triplexes, cottage housing and accessory dwelling units; transportation and infrastructure; parks and recreation facilities; public utilities; police and fire services; climate resilience and sustainability; and critical lands and natural resources.

The City plans to complete “foundational analysis and community visioning” to gather initial input by the end of 2024, and draft policies and plans in 2025, with final review and adoption by the Washougal City Council scheduled for late 2025.

City leaders said they are launching a “robust” community engagement effort to ensure the plan reflects the needs and priorities of Washougal’s residents.

“Washougal residents have a unique opportunity to plan for the growth of our community, and it’s important that all voices are represented throughout this process,” Washougal Community Development Director Mitch Kneipp said. “We encourage all residents to get involved and share their vision for Washougal.”

The outreach efforts include:

• The creation of a Washougal Onward Community Advisory Committee: The City is seeking 16 to 20 members for a Community Advisory Committee (CAC), which will provide feedback on new regulations and policies that will help shape Washougal’s future. Interested residents, business owners and stakeholders can apply by completing the form at bit.ly/cacinter estform.

• An online community survey: The City is asking residents to provide responses to a survey which will help guide decisions in the planning process. To fill out the survey, visit bit.ly/washougalsurvey.

• Various community events: The City will host several community events throughout the update process for residents to learn more about the comprehensive plan, ask questions and provide feedback. The first event, the Comprehensive Plan Carnival, will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Port of Camas-Washougal. The City will announce additional events on its online community event calendar at cityofwashougal.us/calendar.aspx.

“The Washougal Onward Comprehensive Plan Update will impact many facets of daily life in Washougal,” the City stated in a news release. “Public input is needed to ensure the updated plan reflects the diverse needs of the community and aligns with long-term goals.”

The City also will update its capital facilities plan to support key services such as stormwater management, water and sewer systems, transportation, parks and recreation.

For more information about the Washougal Onward Comprehensive Plan Update project and how to participate, visit cityofwashougal.us/791/Onward-Compre hensive-Plan-Update or email onward@cityofw ashougal.us.