HomeMy WebLinkAbout4) Process Improvement Summary 8-14-26 RetreatProcess Improvements Summary from 8-14-26 Annual Planning Retreat
Planning Commission (PC) and Board of County Commissioners (Board)
August 14, 2026
Agenda Item #2: 2025-2026 After-Action Review & Lessons Learned:
“What went well, what improvements can we implement?” The discussion began with some PC
members expressing frustration that the Board was not available today as long as expected, and
suggesting we have more time with the Board. Three primary accomplishments that are highlighted
include comprehensive plan periodic review, short-term rentals, and Critical Areas Ordinance update.
County budget concerns were also discussed in review of the past year.
“Process Improvements” are actions we can take to operationalize some of the ideas discussed.
1. Retreat planning between PC and Board needs additional coordination to be on same page.
Board availability changed and affected the proposed agenda for the group.
Process Improvements:
a. When initiating retreat planning, PC chair & DCD coordinate with Board more closely
about content and expectations such as agenda time.
b. Consider a Board presentation to the group to share their perspectives on the year.
2. PC process and Board process: participants expressed desire for more collaboration—consider
additional joint meetings.
Process Improvements:
a. There are two opportunities for PC & Board to have joint meetings on annual CP/UDC
amendment proposals: Setting the annual docket, JCC 18.45.060(2); and joint hearing,
JCC 18.45.080(2)(a). We could consider one or both opportunities.
b. Other ways to communicate and collaborate could include more regular email report-
outs to Board on community planning work accomplished and upcoming needs.
c. Invite Board to selected PC meetings (e.g., quarterly)—as a special meeting—or rotate
through Board members with individual invitations.
3. Keep lines of communication open between PC and Board.
Process Improvements: (see #2 above)
4. Comprehensive plan update had good outreach and good planning work in response to new
state requirements.
Process Improvements: Outreach included meetings around the county and integration of state
funded community-based organization (CBO) outreach work. Future outreach efforts can utilize
these groups and draw upon periodic update experiences to ensure a robust community review
of planning proposals.
Process Improvements Summary from 8-14-26 Annual Planning Retreat
Planning Commission (PC) and Board of County Commissioners (Board)
August 14, 2026
5. Short-Term Rental (STR) process went well, even with contentious issues.
Process Improvements: The PC balanced competing interests in the analysis and
recommendations. A review of the STR program was anticipated and monitoring is built-in to
the code, including number of units permitted, waiting list management, and annual inspections
and renewals for permittees. An evaluation of the overall STR program is anticipated.
6. 2025 Budget crisis was a surprise. Can the county provide 3 to 5-year projections? Analyze what
are our required services to provide. Collaborate or leverage with other jurisdictions (interlocal
agreements).
Process Improvements: Additional County work on budget and program sustainability is
anticipated.
7. Evaluate the STR program and if it should continue.
Process Improvements: (See #5) A short-term rental program summary is forthcoming from
DCD.
8. Funding questions:
a. What are sources of County income and how to maintain and monitor those funds?
b. Address income-generating projects.
c. How is DCD funded?
Process Improvements: Additional County work on budget and program sustainability is
anticipated.