Have a say in Douglas County’s future: Three meetings offer opportunities for input

EAST WENATCHEE — How should Douglas County grow over the next 20 years? Residents have three upcoming opportunities to learn what local officials are considering and share their views before decisions are made.

Public meetings scheduled for Oct. 28, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2 will address the county’s Comprehensive Plan update and potential expansion of the Urban Growth Area near East Wenatchee. Douglas County is encouraging residents, property owners, businesses and other interested community members to attend.

The Comprehensive Plan establishes a vision for growth and development in unincorporated Douglas County through 2046. The update will guide decisions about land use, housing and other community needs as the county plans for future population growth.

Douglas County and the city of East Wenatchee also are evaluating Urban Growth Area boundaries. Those boundaries identify areas near cities where urban development is encouraged under state law.

The county emphasized that the discussions do not represent a final decision on expanding the Urban Growth Area. The meetings are opportunities to become informed about the planning process and help officials understand community priorities as that work moves forward.

All three meetings begin at 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 28: The East Wenatchee and Douglas County planning commissions will hold a joint meeting on potential Urban Growth Area expansion at East Wenatchee City Hall, 271 Ninth St. NE.

Nov. 4: The Douglas County Planning Commission will hold a hearing on the Comprehensive Plan update at the Douglas County Public Services Building, 140 19th St. NW, East Wenatchee.

Dec. 2: The East Wenatchee City Council and Douglas County Board of Commissioners will hold a joint meeting on potential Urban Growth Area expansion at East Wenatchee City Hall, 271 Ninth St. NE.

Residents can find background information and updates on the county’s Douglas County 2046 Comprehensive Plan webpage. For more information, contact Land Services Director Kazi Haque at 509-884-7173 or khaque@co.douglas.wa.us.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media