Lacey 2025 Comprehensive Plan in ‘visioning phase’ and looking to gain more community involvement 

During a work session on September 10, Hans Shepherd, Senior Planner for the City of Lacey, presented updates on the city’s ongoing efforts to engage the community in the 2025 Comprehensive Plan process.  

Shepherd emphasized that the city is in the early stages of the project, currently focusing on outreach and gathering feedback from the community. 

"Meeting people where they are is a big emphasis of this," said Shepherd. 

The presentation outlined the city’s Communication and Community Engagement Plan, which is structured around ensuring inclusivity and transparency.  

The plan seeks to make the Comprehensive Plan a "community document" by actively involving residents throughout its development. 

The plan, divided into two sections—communication and engagement—aims to educate the public on the Comprehensive Plan process and ensure that traditionally underrepresented groups, such as communities of color, low-income households, and non-English speakers, are included.  

Currently in the "visioning phase," which spans from summer to fall 2024, the city has been gathering feedback from residents through public events like the South Sound BBQ Festival and "Cops, Cars, n’ Kids."  

Shepherd reported that 68 unique comments were gathered at the BBQ festival, and 111 comments were collected during the "Cops, Cars, n’ Kids" event.  

"Transportation, affordable housing, and healthcare were some of the major topics," he noted. 

The process will continue with broader community engagement efforts, including a project-specific website and surveys that will run through the end of 2024.  

Future phases will focus on distilling the feedback to establish community priorities, drafting policies, and refining the Comprehensive Plan, which is expected to be completed by summer 2025. 

City staff will maintain regular briefings with the City Council, with more frequent meetings anticipated as the plan progresses.  

Feedback from the community will continue to shape the final document, Shepherd noted, ensuring that it reflects the diverse needs and priorities of Lacey's residents.