City of Anacortes updates comprehensive plan for sustainable growth through 2025

The City of Anacortes City Council convened on June 9, 2025, to discuss the ongoing periodic update of the 2025 comprehensive plan, a mandated review that occurs every ten years. The meeting, led by Planning Director Coleman, focused on the progress of the comprehensive plan update, which encompasses various elements including land use, housing, transportation, economic development, environmental conservation, and the introduction of a new climate element.

Coleman emphasized the necessity of aligning the comprehensive plan with state regulations, particularly in light of recent legislative changes. The council is required to ensure that the plan accommodates diverse housing types to meet the needs of different income levels, as mandated by House Bill 1220. This includes provisions for accessory dwelling units and a variety of housing options beyond single-family homes.

The council also discussed the results of a land capacity analysis, which confirmed that Anacortes has sufficient land within its current urban growth area to support projected population and employment growth over the next 20 years. However, a request was made to expand the urban growth area to include certain city-owned parcels adjacent to the Anacortes Community Forest, which would facilitate better management of these lands.

In addition to housing and land use, the meeting addressed the need for updates to critical areas regulations, which are currently under review by a consultant. The council is also working to ensure that the comprehensive plan reflects current best practices in climate planning and environmental justice, as required by House Bill 1181.

Public engagement has been a key component of the update process, with multiple open houses and outreach efforts to gather community input. The city has established a dedicated website for the comprehensive plan update, where residents can access meeting materials and provide feedback.

Looking ahead, the council anticipates having a full draft of the comprehensive plan available by July 2025, with further public hearings and discussions planned before final recommendations are made to the council for adoption later in the year. The meeting concluded with a reminder of the importance of timely updates to ensure compliance with state requirements and to effectively plan for the future growth of Anacortes.