Wenatchee releases draft comprehensive plan, schedules public open house

WENATCHEE — Residents will have a chance later this month to weigh in on the future of growth and development across the Wenatchee urban area as the city rolls out a draft of its updated comprehensive plan and accompanying environmental review.

The City of Wenatchee has released the draft 2026-2046 Wenatchee Urban Area Comprehensive Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement, beginning a public review process that will help shape housing, transportation, land use, economic development and other long-term planning decisions over the next two decades.

Required under Washington’s Growth Management Act, the comprehensive plan serves as the community’s long-range roadmap for growth in both incorporated and unincorporated portions of the Wenatchee Urban Growth Area. According to the city, the document establishes goals, policies and actions that guide future development, public investment and regulatory decisions.

City officials will host an in-person open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, in the council chambers at Wenatchee City Hall, 301 Yakima St. Residents can drop in at any time during the event to review plan elements, ask questions and provide feedback directly to staff.

The draft plan and Draft EIS are available online through the city’s comprehensive plan webpage and can also be reviewed in person at the city’s Community Development Department offices.

Public comments on the Draft EIS will be accepted through 5 p.m. June 12. The city is requesting feedback from residents, agencies, tribes and other interested parties before selecting a preferred alternative for the final comprehensive plan update.

The Wenatchee City Council is expected to consider the updated comprehensive plan by the end of 2026. Any amendments affecting unincorporated portions of the urban growth area would also require approval from the Chelan County commissioners before taking effect.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media