Auburn council directs staff to draft retail cannabis ordinance after public outreach and mixed council feedback

The Auburn City Council on Oct. 13 directed staff to draft a retail commercial cannabis ordinance and related zoning changes after reviewing public outreach and survey results and hearing from residents, business groups and advocates.

Staff reported outreach that included two town-hall workshops and an online survey; combined participation was described by staff as about 221 respondents and attendees. The city’s report summarized overall support at about 86 percent across the outreach channels. Development staff recommended limiting the city initially to recreational retail (not dedicating separate medical-only licenses), awarding licenses by a competitive RFP, and placing a per-license population threshold tied to the city’s population.

Why it matters: council members said the ordinance could retain tax dollars now spent in neighboring jurisdictions, create new local businesses and jobs, and help diversify Auburn’s sales-tax base. At the same time, many council members urged detailed controls for security, odors, signage and storefront design so any dispensary “fits” downtown and other parts of the city.

Staff presentation and outreach results

John (Development Director) told council staff updated a financial spreadsheet and compared other cities’ revenue outcomes. He said outreach included two after-hours…