City releases Matrix report recommending 60 improvements to Anacortes permitting process

Matrix Consulting Group presented final findings on Sept. 22 after a six‑month review of Anacortes’ development review process, telling the City Council the city has engaged staff and a set of concrete fixes but will need time and modest staffing changes to implement them. Allison Brecke, manager with Matrix Consulting Group, told the council the firm found about “60 recommendations” and that one of Anacortes’ strengths is “the group of staff who are motivated and supportive of improvement efforts.”

The report matters because the city’s permitting timelines and customer experience affect housing, commercial projects and shoreline reviews; Matrix’s recommendations aim to make the process more predictable and transparent to applicants and staff. The consultant recommended formalized intake checklists for 25 common processes, clearer staff roles and responsibilities, adoption of development review mission and goals, improved SmartGov configuration and reporting, and options for limited third‑party review on large projects.

City staff said they will prioritize a subset of the recommendations for…