Retreat helps town focus its long-term vision

Town leaders have their eyes on the future.

This after having given La Conner's current five-year strategic plan a second look during the town's annual summer retreat at the Waterfront Café last month.

Mayor Marna Hanneman, Town Council members, and the town's staff and department heads huddled June 24 to address current issues and long-range planning. The strategic plan, crafted in 2023 and comprised of five focal points, was the centerpiece of the retreat's afternoon session.

Each of the five focus areas – maintaining a robust economy, public safety, climate and environmental sustainability, capital projects and utilities, and fostering an effective town organization – include multiple goals that describe pathways to a desired community future as La Conner navigates what is termed in the plan as "a period of transition."

Hanneman reported at the July 9 town council meeting that dialogue shared at the retreat was productive.

"It was a good opportunity to discuss (key topics)," she said. "It's important that we all work together."

Town Administrator Scott Thomas said that La Conner's leadership, which has undertaken an ongoing public participation initiative, hopes that the spirit of the retreat can extend beyond Town Hall.

"We're looking for other ways to reach out and have discussions with residents and business entities," he said.

Council member Ivan Carlson revisited the idea of coordinating with town merchants to offer "locals' night" for La Conner area shoppers.

Hanneman endorsed the concept.

"That's a great idea," she said.

Town officials say the strategic plan is structured to emphasize La Conner's status as a welcoming community based on inclusivity while balancing residential and commercial growth with the quality of life.

"We aim to maintain our identity as a lively small town with a strong community feel," the plan states. "We strive to cultivate a community of neighborhoods that offer meaningful activities and uses for residents and visitors alike."

To that end, the plan seeks increased housing diversity and affordability, regulations ensuring that development reflects community desires, support of the area's agricultural industry, and partnership with The Port of Skagit to develop the La Conner Marina.

The public safety component stresses the importance of making capital investments in fire protection and prevention, strengthening the community's ability to respond to disasters and emergencies, exploring opportunities for staff and residents to contribute to public safety, and preparing to replace the town's first-out fire engine.

Developing and implementing plans for climate resiliency and pursuing opportunities for energy self-reliance are also prioritized in the strategic plan.

In terms of capital projects and utilities, the plan promotes improved mobility and safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists – especially downtown and on Maple Avenue. Ensuring long-term sustainability of the Town's half-century-old wastewater treatment plant, exploring options for reduction of municipal building maintenance costs, and determining the best future location for La Conner's Public Works Department shop are likewise cited.