Nicholas Dostie

The meeting commenced with an acknowledgement of the traditional lands of the Squalum people. Key discussions focused on the 2025 Comprehensive Plan status update, noting the nearing completion of the policy document, specifically addressing the housing chapter and the subsequent technical documents prepared by Leland Consulting, which are scheduled for review in the following meeting. Progress on other components, including the Capital Facility Plan (utility and transportation master plans) and updates to development regulations (subdivision ordinance rewrite and zoning code amendments), was also reviewed. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the draft housing chapter goals and policies, including discussions on facilitating affordable housing through incentives like increased density and modified development standards, rather than inclusionary zoning. The commission also discussed the Clallam County Department of Community Development's (DCD) request to reallocate 27 emergency housing beds from the Urban Growth Area to the City limits, for which the City has capacity.

The regular meeting of the Planning Commission began with an acknowledgement of the Squalum people and a statement on the commission's advisory role to the city council regarding future growth plans. The key business included a status update on the 2025 Comprehensive Plan development, noting potential scheduling adjustments for the Land Division Ordinance (Title 17) and the advancement of the Capital Facilities chapter review. The commission was also updated on progress for the Climate and Resiliency and Parks and Open Space chapters. Further discussion covered the status of 11 applications for comprehensive plan amendment site-specific maps. A major focus was the draft Transportation Chapter, which included a detailed presentation on requirements from the Growth Management Act (GMA), such as Level of Service (LOS) standards, traffic demand forecasting integrated with growth projections, and the development of a 20-year project list requiring financing analysis. The commission was informed about upcoming external engagement with consultants regarding economic development next week.

The meeting focused on the 2025 Comprehensive Plan status update, specifically regarding the future land use map. Discussions included scheduling a joint meeting with the City Council to present results from the housing and economic market study conducted by Leland Consulting. The commission reviewed preliminary results from the land capacity analysis (LCA), which indicated sufficient capacity for allocated housing units and jobs, although final LCA data is pending. Key discussion points from the market study highlighted that single-family home prices are high, multifamily vacancy rates are extremely low (under 1%), and retail vacancy is high compared to neighboring areas, suggesting a need for housing diversity. The commission also addressed proposed land use designation changes, including condensing agricultural, open space, parks, and school designations into broader categories, and proposed changing low-density residential zoning from R48 to R49 and shifting from net to gross density calculations.

The meeting involved joint discussions between the City Council and Planning Commission, featuring consultants from Leland Consulting Group. The primary focus was the presentation of the Squim Housing and Economic Analysis Report findings, which serves as a foundational component for the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update. Key discussion topics derived from stakeholder feedback included the need for diverse housing options, especially workforce and multi-family housing, challenges with hiring and housing affordability, and exploring growth sectors like technology and tourism to enhance economic vitality. Stakeholders also discussed the city's identity beyond being a retirement destination, short-term rentals, mobile home parks, downtown walkability, and concerns regarding healthcare capacity for an aging population. Technical discussions covered regulatory barriers, permitting difficulties, high impact fees, and zoning considerations, such as increasing maximum height downtown and allowing more flexible use zoning in various districts. Data analysis indicated higher income residents are moving into the county while lower income residents are moving out, and that 1,850 new housing units are needed by 2045.

The City Council meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Key discussions involved changes to the agenda, including one Councilor's decision to recuse themselves from a consent item. The primary focus was the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Following established procedures, Councilor Rachel Anderson was elected Mayor over Councilor Brandon Janice in a 4-3 vote. Subsequently, Councilor Nicole Hartman was elected Deputy Mayor over Brandon Janice. The ceremonial portion of the meeting included the proclamation of January 19, 2026, as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day of service, and the recognition of January 2026 as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. A statement from D. Rhodesser concerning the latter proclamation was also noted.