Did you know the future of our islands is being decided right now? The Comprehensive Plans for San Juan County and the Town of Friday Harbor are being updated—and your voice can shape what comes next!
Ready to get involved? Together, we can ensure that the San Juan Islands remain where nature thrives, communities flourish, and resilience defines our path forward.
What Are Comprehensive Plans?
Think of them as a roadmap for our community’s future. These plans set long-term goals to manage growth while protecting what makes our islands special: clean water, healthy ecosystems, thriving agriculture, and lush forests. Over time, these goals become laws and actions that shape everyday life in San Juan County.
The County’s Review Process and Schedule
This update is moving very fast, as they intend to be done by December 2025! San Juan County’s Planning Commission will review draft amendments to each element at their monthly meetings. They have already reviewed Land Use, Governance, Water Resources, and Historic and Archaeologic Preservation. County Council has also begun reviewing elements and will continue to do so in the coming months.
The public is welcome to speak and share their input at any of the following meetings during the “Public Access Time” at the beginning of each meeting. Learn more about attending meetings and submitting written comments here.
- Session Complete: Housing, Economic Vitality, Capital Facilities, and Utilities Elements
- Session Complete: Climate and Official Map Updates
- Session Complete: Governance, Water, Historic & Archeological Preservation, Economic Development
- Session Complete: County Council review of housing, Capital Facilities, Climate
- Monday, April 14: County Council review of Land Use, Official Maps
- Friday, April 18: Planning Commission review of Transportation, Town/County Joint Planning Policies, Introduction, Administration sections
- Monday, April 28: County Council review of Transportation, Utilities, remaining elements
- Friday, May 16: Planning Commission full review of updates
Time to Take Action!
Friends’ legal, policy, and science experts are analyzing, reviewing, and commenting on the proposed changes to the Comp Plan to protect the islands’ natural resources and communities. But we can’t do this alone. This is YOUR chance to ensure these plans reflect your values and needs.
Here’s what you can do:
- Check out San Juan County’s Guide to Getting Involved in the Comprehensive Plan Update in English and Spanish
- Subscribe to updates so you know when agendas and materials are shared: San Juan County Notices.
- Visit San Juan County’s project website, look on the right side for reports and drafts. Comprehensive Plan Update.
- Join Friends’ Executive Director for ‘What If Strategy Conversations’ related to the Comp Plan updates. Email [email protected] for more info!
Why Your Voice Matters
Every idea, every concern, and every hope for the future counts. Comprehensive planning isn’t just a policy—it’s a chance to ensure that future generations can enjoy these islands’ unique beauty and community spirit.
