PORT ANGELES — Port Angeles city staff have developed a work plan that sets projects and measurable milestones for the next two years.
The plan outlines the steps the city will undertake to achieve objectives, as outlined in the 2025-2026 strategic plan.
According to the draft work plan, it also will serve as a communication tool between city staff, the city council and the rest of the community, “offering transparency into departmental projects, their objectives and how each initiative contributes to the goals of the council.”
Each of the work plan’s 81 projects are tied to an element of the city’s two-year strategic plan, which was adopted in October 2024.
The strategic plan outlines the city’s vision and objectives. This version of the plan focuses on community resilience, citywide resource optimization, housing and infrastructure development, maintenance and connectivity.
“We’ve tied everything back to the strategic plan,” City Manager Nathan West told the council on Tuesday.
In alignment with community resilience, the city is planning to advocate for environmental protection of the Elwha Watershed through meetings with the state Department of Natural Resources, Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove and lawmakers from the 24th Legislative District.
The city also plans to support Senate Bill 5285 and its companion, House Bill 1436, which would allow for a one-tenth of 1 percent sales tax dedicated to law enforcement or public safety.
If passed, the measure could bring about $600,000 annually to the city, according to the work plan document.
In total, there are 46 projects identified for community resilience.
The city also plans to continue to offer the City Shade Street Tree program and establish a dedicated area to house and grow the trees.
The citywide resource optimization focus area identifies 20 projects, such as enhancing the low-income discount program.
It also lays out steps for implementing a more direct path on the Tumwater Truck Route, rather than the current connection between U.S. Highway 101 and state Highway 117. That would decrease the number of freight trucks idling on Port Angeles’ “Main Street” and allow for the downtown area to grow, according to the work plan.
The city also aims to seek a secondary water source to reduce reliance on the Rainey Well located on the Elwha River, which is currently the city’s sole source of water.
Housing is another identified priority area, with six projects. In addition to completing the city’s comprehensive plan and its housing action plan, the city is working on a multifamily housing pilot project.
The work plan also identifies the implementation of a base utility charge for vacant housing, despite the Building Industry Association of Washington’s recent cease and desist letter.
According to the work plan draft, phase two of that project involves charging properties that are not connected to utilities a base rate. That likely will be implemented in September.
The infrastructure development, maintenance and connectivity focus area identifies nine projects.
In addition to construction of the A Street basin and rehabilitating major portions of the city’s sewer line, the city is working on a possible loop trail.
One potential option is expanding the Vern Samuelson Trail, in partnership with Clallam County.
The work plan is a living document that can be modified as needed, West said.
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Reporter Emma Maple can be reached by email at emma.maple@peninsuladailynews.com.
