Anacortes presents economic development strategy; report flags housing, transit and business gaps

Anacortes city staff on July 14 presented an economic development strategic plan recommending targeted steps to strengthen local businesses and address housing and service gaps.

The plan, prepared by the Center for Economic and Business Research at Western Washington University and presented by John Coleman, director of the Planning, Community and Economic Development Department, summarizes results from a community survey, a forum and a void analysis of local businesses against peer maritime communities.

Why it matters: The report provides a written, consultant-backed confirmation of issues council members have raised for years and gives the city a prioritized set of recommendations to use in its comprehensive plan update and follow-up work. The council has set aside $30,000 in the 2025 budget to pay for next steps such as targeted studies, marketing or recruitment efforts.

Coleman said the city received 291 survey responses. "We received 291 responses, which, is a pretty darn good number," he told the council, and added the analysis combined survey results with in-person forum input and a review of existing infrastructure. The plan identifies community strengths — a deep-water port, marinas and a strong volunteer culture — and limitations including the lack of interstate access, limited public transportation and a shortfall in housing affordability.

Key findings and recommendations: The report names several measurable priorities to pursue, including increasing housing density, revising zoning and building codes, providing incentives to encourage affordable housing construction, and pursuing business recruitment targeted at identified voids such as primary care providers, dentists and certain professional services. It also lists retail gaps — affordable groceries, clothing and childcare — and recommends actions to improve local services and retain jobs.

Council members responded that the report largely confirmed what they already knew but gave the city a useful outside perspective. Councilmember Young said the plan "puts it in writing" and helps the city prioritize efforts. Councilmember McDougall said the value was getting "a set of outside eyes to take a look and to confirm essentially what we already thought." Councilmember Fantini urged the city to use existing communication tools: "nearly 70% of people in Anacortes still receive their utility bills in the mail," he said, suggesting periodic $900 mailer inserts as a low-cost engagement tool.

Next steps and timing: Coleman told the council the economic development committee will lead implementation discussions and meet to recommend concrete actions. Staff said the plan will inform the economic element of the city’s comprehensive plan update. The report is intended to guide both short-term, "low-hanging fruit" efforts and longer-term policy changes over the coming months.

The presentation lasted through council comment and closed with a reminder that additional community engagement and follow-up work remain to be scheduled.