Ellensburg City Council Considers Docketing 2025 Comprehensive Plan Amendments

Ellensburg City Council has taken a significant step towards addressing homelessness in the community by approving a lease agreement with Grace Church for a cold weather shelter. During the meeting on July 23, 2025, council members unanimously authorized the city manager to sign the lease, which is crucial for providing emergency housing during the colder months.

The decision comes amid ongoing discussions about the county's plans to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an operator to manage the shelter. City officials emphasized the importance of securing the lease now to avoid losing a favorable cost point and location. The lease is set for two months, pending the county's funding decision, which is expected to align closely with the shelter's operational timeline.

In addition to the shelter agreement, the council also discussed the 2025 annual comprehensive plan amendment process. Planning Manager Stacy Henderson presented two proposed amendments for docketing. The first amendment involves the annual update of the Capital Improvement Plans (CIP), a requirement under the Growth Management Act. The second amendment, however, has sparked considerable public interest: it involves a request to remove the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) chapter from the comprehensive plan. A total of 309 applications were submitted, all requesting the removal of DEI-related policies.

Henderson clarified that while the council is considering these requests, the removal of DEI policies does not affect the existence of the DEI commission, which operates under a separate ordinance. The council's decision on whether to docket these amendments will determine the next steps in the public discussion surrounding the DEI chapter.

As the city moves forward with these initiatives, the implications for both homelessness support and community inclusivity remain at the forefront of local governance. The council's actions reflect a commitment to addressing pressing community needs while navigating complex public sentiment.