Walla Walla County plans 2026 Comprehensive Plan update to address growth targets

The Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss the upcoming periodic update of the county's comprehensive plan, a requirement under the state Growth Management Act. The meeting featured presentations from Lauren Prentice, the Community Development Department head, and Clay White from Kimley Horn and Associates, who is leading the update process.

Prentice introduced her team, including Deputy Community Development Director Melissa Shoemake, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among the county and local cities—Waitsburg, College Place, and Walla Walla—during this planning phase. White outlined the goals of the comprehensive plan update, which aims to address population growth, housing, and employment projections for the next 20 years.

The meeting highlighted the necessity of early coordination with the Port of Walla Walla, as the planning process will directly impact economic development initiatives. White stressed the importance of community engagement, stating that the update process will involve gathering input from residents to ensure their needs and concerns are reflected in the plan.

Key topics discussed included growth targets for population, housing, and employment, which are essential for planning infrastructure and services. White explained that the county is currently in the discovery phase, gathering data to inform these targets, with a deadline for the comprehensive plan update set for June 30, 2026.

The commissioners engaged in discussions about the implications of growth targets, the relationship between housing types and affordability, and the need for zoning regulations that align with the projected growth. White noted that the planning process is designed to be flexible, allowing for adjustments based on actual growth patterns and community feedback.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders involved in the comprehensive planning process, ensuring that the county's future development aligns with community needs and state requirements. The next steps will involve further community engagement and the development of specific policy amendments to be presented in future meetings.