Skagit County to host open house for Climate Element of 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update

(SKAGIT COUNTY)- Skagit County Planning and Development Services invites the community to an open house on the Climate Element of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update on Tuesday, October 1, from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Jefferson Elementary School in Mount Vernon. The Comprehensive Plan serves as a vital roadmap for the future growth and development of Skagit County over the next twenty years and acts as a framework to guide the day-to-day land use decisions by elected officials and local government staff, according to a news release from the county.

Washington House Bill (HB) 1181, passed in 2023, amended the Washington Growth Management Act (GMA) to require cities and counties to incorporate policies for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhancing climate resilience into their comprehensive plans. The Climate Element will include two key sub-elements:

- Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Sub-Element
- Resilience Sub-Element

The open house will feature engagement activities and educational displays. Skagit County staff and experts will be present to answer questions about the Comprehensive Plan update and discuss how residents can contribute to shaping climate action and resilience strategies.