Charter Review Commission Considers Engaging Local Business Groups for Feedback

During the recent Charter Review Commission Land Acquisition Committee meeting held on August 26, 2025, in Clallam County, significant discussions emerged regarding community engagement and land acquisition policies. A notable change to the original proposal was introduced, expanding the scope of land acquisitions to include not only tribal lands but also federal and state lands, contingent upon requests for input from these entities.

Committee members expressed the importance of reaching out to the community for feedback on these changes. One member suggested organizing meetings in various districts to gather opinions from residents, highlighting the need for broader participation beyond the usual attendees. The idea of attending local business meetings, such as those held by the West End Business Association and the Sequim Chamber of Commerce, was proposed as a way to engage with a wider audience.

The committee discussed the potential benefits of these outreach efforts, emphasizing that direct interaction with community members could provide valuable insights and foster a sense of inclusion in the decision-making process. Members debated whether to attend these meetings as representatives of the committee or as individuals, weighing the advantages of formal representation against personal engagement.

As the committee moves forward, the focus on community involvement reflects a commitment to ensuring that local voices are heard in discussions that impact land acquisition policies. The next steps will likely involve planning outreach efforts to facilitate these important conversations, aligning with the broader goal of enhancing community participation in government processes.