Community Voices at the Center of Comprehensive Plan Updates

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.

To get involved in the Comprehensive Plan updates:

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It wasn’t until 1979 that San Juan County got a comprehensive growth plan and that was largely due to the Friends of the San Juan’s being there to advocate for the shoreline and the ecosystem. Since then, there have been constant waves of pressure by developers. Friends have risen each time, fighting to protect this fragile and precious place.

Liza Michaelson

member, San Juan Island