Chehalis council adopts downtown rejuvenation plan, opens annexation talks and approves alarm-code changes

Chehalis Mayor Ketchum and the City Council on April 28 adopted a downtown rejuvenation master plan, approved updated municipal alarm-code language, authorized the city manager to begin annexation negotiations with Lewis County and approved an interlocal agreement framework for Lewis County 9-1-1 governance.

The downtown plan, presented by Public Works staff with consultant Aaron Lomo (HPB) joining by Zoom, is a phased blueprint that staff and supporters said is intended to position the city for state and federal grant funding and guide design decisions when aging underground sewer, water and storm systems are replaced. Public Works staff said, “This project began in 2024 ... as a vision of creating a safer, more vibrant, and welcoming downtown.” The council adopted the plan by resolution 03-2025 on a voice vote; staff said adoption carries no immediate fiscal impact but improves competitiveness for grants and loans.

Why it matters: the plan groups projects into phases and provides grant-ready documentation that city staff and council can use when applying to programs such as the Transportation Improvement Board. Staff and several members of the public said the work is largely driven by the need to replace century-old underground infrastructure discovered during recent repairs and to coordinate surface improvements when that work occurs.

Key details and discussion

- Cost estimates and phasing: Staff cited a phased total cost low-end estimate of $34,500,000 and a high-end estimate of $44,000,000 to complete all phases. The master-plan adoption itself carries no immediate budget appropriation; individual projects and designs will return to council for funding and contract approvals.

- Grants and funding:…