Staff outlines timeline for critical areas update and describes ferry-terminal 'Anacortes' letters project

Planning staff provided a multi-item update near the end of the June 9 meeting, covering timelines for the critical areas periodic update, recent outreach on the Shoreline Master Program, consultant work, and a public-art tourism project.

Mr. Coleman told commissioners that City Council adopted the Shoreline Master Program public participation plan on May 26. He summarized outreach for that plan, including mailers to properties in the shoreline jurisdiction, email notifications and social-media posts on the PCED Facebook and Instagram pages, and an open house earlier that day that drew roughly 20'25 participants.

Coleman outlined the schedule for the critical areas update: a community open house on June 30; staff and consultants compiling input and best-available-science reports into draft amendments in August'September for public review; a planned series of planning commission meetings through September and October (including a special meeting Sept. 15 and likely additional special meetings) with the goal of forwarding recommendations to City Council in time to meet the Dec. 31, 2026 deadline.

He also described a community branding and tourism effort: five-and-a-half-foot letters spelling "Anacortes" installed at the Washington State Ferry Terminal. The project, coordinated with county tourism partners, the port, the Anacortes Arts Festival, and the Chamber of Commerce, will include signage directing ferry visitors to downtown attractions and will be integrated with a regional "Magic Skagit" promotional site.

Coleman said staff are finalizing additional consultant contract work for the critical areas best-available-science report and that meeting dates may be increased (including twice-monthly sessions) this fall to meet deadlines.