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Eatonville council adopts Heritage Tourism District to guide preservation and development
Summary
The Town Council approved Resolution 2026-45 to create the Eatonville Heritage Tourism District, directing staff to prepare a master plan and positioning the town to pursue tourism-related funding and preservation projects. Councilmembers asked for broad inventories and collaboration with historic stakeholders.
The Eatonville Town Council on Aug. 4 approved Resolution 2026-45, establishing a Heritage Tourism District that the town says will guide historic preservation, signage, and economic development.
Council members described the resolution as a framework rather than a final plan. "This gives us a chance to lay a foundation on a generic basis and then build from there," the meeting moderator said during discussion. Council and CRA representatives said the district is intended to unlock funding opportunities and create a master plan for district signage, wayfinding and infrastructure.
Members pressed staff on inventory and ownership of assets to be included in the plan. One councilmember warned against listing properties the town does not own, saying such an inventory would be "premature and inappropriate" without prior conversations with property owners. Staff replied the town will collaborate with the historic preservation board and CRA; the board has a draft survey of historic assets that will inform the master plan.
The council voted to approve the resolution after a period of questions and amendments. The resolution directs preparation of a district master plan and identifies tourism and preservation objectives; staff said master-plan work will include community input and coordinate with the CRA and the town's historic preservation survey. Councilmembers said additional detail on staffing and funding will follow as the plan develops.
