City staff said Mount Vernon has begun phase 1 of a comprehensive plan update and is asking residents for input on where the city should accommodate roughly 5,200 additional housing units over the next 20 years. The update will look at development regulation changes and land-use strategies, staff said.

Staff listed housing types under consideration, including missing-middle housing, affordable and supportive housing, transitional and emergency shelter, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The update will evaluate zoning changes such as allowing residential buildings in some commercial zones or adjusting density rules, staff said.

Staff invited public participation via an online community survey, attendance at upcoming Planning Commission meetings, and two in-person pop-up events: Valley Fest 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Aug. 16 and the Valley Made Market on Aug. 24. The city provided a comprehensive-plan webpage for updates and notifications. The transcript did not include draft code language, specific zoning map changes, or funding sources for implementation.