La Conner planning commissioners conditionally approve Economic Development element with edits

The La Conner Planning Commission voted to conditionally approve the draft Economic Development element of the town’s comprehensive plan after commissioners requested specific edits and clarifications.

Commissioners said the chapter should be forwarded to the town for revision with the changes discussed at the meeting, and a motion for conditional approval carried on a voice vote.

The approval followed detailed debate about the element’s tone and specific policies. Commissioners questioned a line that emphasizes “emerging technology-based enterprises,” asking whether that phrasing unfairly privileges tech firms over other types of local industry. Commissioners also discussed language aimed at retaining and expanding local businesses and suggested the plan add clearer tie-ins to existing local programs, including marketing efforts being developed with the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street programs.

Commissioners spent time on the element’s strengths and…