YVCOG outlines plan to help Naches meet June 2026 climate-element deadline

Byron Gumz, land use manager with the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments (YVCOG), told the Town of Naches Planning Commission on Aug. 5, 2024, that Naches must complete its Washington State Climate Element by June 2026 as part of the town’s periodic comprehensive-plan update.

Gumz said YVCOG will assist the town in drafting the climate element and related development regulation revisions under a Department of Commerce grant that the commission was told covers the cost of the update. "The Town's deadline is June 2026," Gumz said, and he added that "all monies associated with the grant will be used exclusively for this project." Commissioners noted they want the project delivered under budget where possible so leftover funds could support implementation of the deliverables.

Commissioner Ranger stressed the need for robust community input during the update process. Gumz said there will be multiple opportunities for public comment, including nominating a local representative to attend regular meetings with YVCOG and county- and state-level participants. When an audience member asked how often the group would meet, Gumz said meetings are expected "about every two months." He outlined a two-year cadence: the first year focused on drafting the plan and the second year on updating the comprehensive plan and seeking formal adoption by the Town Council.

The presentation included a brief overview of topics that will be reviewed during the periodic update (current plan policies, development regulations and how municipal code can influence future neighborhood design). Commissioners thanked Gumz for the presentation and information about next steps.