Skagit County planning commission hears wide-ranging public concerns on 2025 comprehensive plan update

The Skagit County Planning Commission on March 11 heard more than a dozen public commentators on the county’s 2025 periodic comprehensive plan update, with speakers urging stronger environmental protections, clearer agricultural safeguards, and actions to expand housing options and active-transportation safety.

Staff opened the public hearing with an overview of the process and timeline. Robbie Eckroth, a planner with Skagit County Planning and Development Services, summarized the Growth Management Act requirement for a decennial comprehensive plan update and told the commission that the county’s public comment period opened Feb. 13 and closes March 13 at 4:30 p.m.

The hearing featured sustained comment from tribal representatives and conservation groups who said the draft plan lacks enforceable environmental safeguards and updated scientific data. Heather Spore, environmental policy manager for the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, said the draft is deficient on climate and shoreline protections and urged stronger, mandatory language: "Without scientific facts about sea level rise or future climate change projections nor meaningful discussion of climate impacts facing this gadget, the draft plan does not meet the express intent and purpose of RCW 36.70A.070, WAC…