In a recent government meeting, city officials discussed the ongoing development of the comprehensive plan update and the associated draft environmental impact statement (DEIS). The meeting highlighted the extensive public engagement efforts that have taken place, although some officials acknowledged they were not present for all of these opportunities. The city is currently facing challenges that have delayed the completion of the draft plan, including new state legislation mandating increased housing capacity and staffing shortages within the planning division.

The interim planning director outlined the need to refine the draft policies, emphasizing a shift from overly detailed action steps to broader policy statements suitable for a comprehensive plan. This adjustment aims to simplify the document for city council consideration while ensuring it remains actionable and relevant to community needs.

The timeline for the draft comprehensive plan has been pushed back, with a new target date set for September 27. This draft will be crucial for public review and input, as it will include a cohesive presentation of the information and alternatives available. Following public comments, the city council will select a preferred alternative from the proposed options, which will then inform further revisions to the comprehensive plan.

Despite the state-mandated deadline for adoption by the end of 2024, officials expressed concerns about meeting this timeline due to the complexities involved in the planning process. The interim director indicated that a revised timeline would be presented to the council soon, aiming for completion shortly after the 2024 deadline if necessary.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to developing a comprehensive plan that reflects community input while navigating the challenges posed by legislative requirements and resource constraints.