2027 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update
The City of Ilwaco is preparing to begin its next Comprehensive Plan periodic update, scheduled for completion in 2027, with support from a grant provided by the Washington State Department of Commerce. The Comprehensive Plan serves as a 20-year roadmap to guide the city’s growth, development, and overall community character. It also meets the requirements of the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA), as outlined in RCW 36.70A, by including a community vision and a set of goals and policies for each required plan element. These elements form the basis for the City’s zoning and development regulations.
The current 2020-2040 Comprehensive Plan can be accessed here.
Comprehensive Plan Elements:
- Land Use
- Housing
- Public Facilities and Services
- Transportation
- Utilities
- Sustaining the Comprehensive Plan
- Climate (NEW)
While the Comprehensive Plan is intended to guide development over a 20-year horizon, it is periodically updated to ensure that its policies remain relevant and responsive to changing conditions within the community and the broader region. The upcoming 2027 Periodic Update will focus on targeted amendments necessary to comply with new and updated state regulations. Several key themes have been identified to help shape the scope of this update, including:
- Climate and Resiliency: As of July 2023, the addition of a Climate Change and Resiliency Element is required under House Bill (HB) 1181. This new element will assess climate-related hazards specific to the City of Ilwaco and prioritize strategies to reduce risks and protect vulnerable assets.
- Housing Options and Affordability: Addressing the community’s need for a broader range of housing types and improved access to affordable housing.
- Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Promoting a more inclusive and equitable community through policies that support access and opportunity for all residents.
Ways to participate and get involved!
Your input is critical to shaping how and where the City of Ilwaco grows and adapts to a changing climate, as your feedback will help refine final policies and options.
Opportunities are expected to include:
- Community Surveys
- Open House Events
- Planning Commissions Workshops
- Public Hearings
Stay up to date on project information by visiting our website and StoryMap at the link below. Events will also be posted on our social media sites and in the Chinook Observer, where appropriate.
StoryMap: City of Ilwaco Comprehensive Plan - Periodic Update
To submit questions or comments, please email us at [email protected].
The Washington State Department of Commerce climate planning grant is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov .