Kennewick launches 2025 comprehensive plan update, sets public engagement and housing timelines

Kennewick City Council and the Planning Commission held a joint workshop on April 22, 2025, to kick off the city’s 2025 comprehensive plan periodic update. Planning Director Anthony Mowai introduced the consultant team led by Bob Bankford of MAKERS Architecture and Urban Design, which outlined the update’s scope, state requirements and a public engagement strategy.

The presentation described the comprehensive plan as a 20-year outlook that “encapsulate[s] the community’s goals and values” and provides guidance for land use, transportation, utilities, capital facilities and budgeting, while meeting Washington state requirements, consultant Bob Bankford said. Project manager Scott Bongukian added that “the comprehensive plan needs to meet state requirements,” including Growth Management Act obligations, county population allocations from the Office of Financial Management and newly required elements such as a climate change and resiliency chapter.

Why it matters: the plan sets assumptions that drive infrastructure investments, zoning and long-term capital programming. Consultants told council and commissioners that updated demographic, housing and infrastructure data are needed to align the city’s goals with state law and regional projections.

Key points from the presentation

- Required and new elements: The update will cover the traditional elements—land use, housing, utilities and public services, capital facilities and transportation—plus an optional economic development element and the newly required climate change and…