Friends was formed to help San Juan County adopt its first-ever Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and this year, we are again working to include all voices in the planning process. So far, through eight listening sessions, we’ve engaged 112 people—partnering with Family Resource Centers to reach low-income families, Latinx community members, and seniors. One more session to go! Learn more and help shape the next 20 years of island life.
Friends’ Executive Director Eva Schulte facilitated the listening sessions in English and Spanish, equipping participants to share their concerns, write comment letters, and testify at Planning Commission and County Council meetings. Our feedback also shapes Friends’ and Family Resource Center comment letters, amplifying these community voices.
San Juan County and the Town of Friday Harbor are updating their Comprehensive Plans this year.
These updates provide the opportunity to shape our communities in the next twenty years of growth in various areas such as housing, transportation, water resources, utilities, economic development, and more. Notably, Washington State requires that all jurisdictions add a climate element to address and plan for climate impacts on our communities and the environment.
To get involved in the Comprehensive Plan updates:
- You can visit Friends of the San Juans’ Comp Plan info page or San Juan County’s Comprehensive Plan Demystified
- You can also check out the County’s site and the Town of Friday Harbor’s site.
- For specific information regarding the county’s proposed climate element, go to San Juan County’s Climate Action page.
Climate COMPASS Sessions: Prepare for Action on the Comp Plan!
Friends of the San Juans secured a WA Department of Commerce grant enabling the Madrona Institute to design a new game for community engagement around climate called Climate COMPASS—Comprehensive Plan Outreach for Meaningful Public Action & Sustainability. This game helps community members shape local climate policy. The Madrona Institute is now facilitating these interactive community gatherings in partnership with Friends of the San Juan and the Family and Community Resource Centers.
These community sessions are open to everyone, and your voice matters! Join us:
- Shaw Island – Mon, March 3, 3:30-5:30 PM, Shaw Community Building
- Orcas Island – Sat, March 8, 3-5 PM, Parish Hall
- San Juan Island – Sun, March 9, 1-3 PM, San Juan Island Grange
