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2 weeks ago

Anacortes council authorizes $1 million in grant applications to restore Ship Harbor boardwalk The council unanimously approved Resolution 3206 authorizing applications for two RCO grants (ALEA and WWRP) totaling $900,000 plus a proposed $100,000 local match to fund Phase 1 of the Ship Harbor Boardwalk Restoration Project.

The Anacortes City Council is taking bold steps to restore the Ship Harbor boardwalk and enhance accessibility for all with a $1 million grant application!

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2 weeks ago

Skagit Tourism Bureau reports stronger visitor spending in 2025; council probes data methods Skagit Tourism Bureau presented 2025 marketing outcomes to Anacortes council, citing a $12.1M advertising attribution and explaining how that differs from a separate $386M statewide tourism sales estimate; councilors asked about geofence data access and Canadian visitor tracking.

The Skagit Tourism Bureau revealed impressive visitor spending of $12.1 million driven by targeted marketing efforts, but how does it stack against the state's $386 million tourism sales estimate?

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2 weeks ago

Anacortes begins multi‑year review of wastewater biosolids options as incinerator ages City staff and consultant Brown & Caldwell presented a solids‑management alternatives analysis March 23, outlining six end‑to‑end options, regulatory constraints (PFAS and air permitting), planning‑level cost ranges and a public survey and decision workshop later this year.

Anacortes is embarking on a crucial multi-year journey to redefine its wastewater management as its aging incinerator faces new challenges and regulations.

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1 month ago

City staff reintroduces Shoreline Master Program update; staff outlines timeline and review steps At a March 10 Planning Commission meeting, city planning staff reviewed the Shoreline Master Program (SMP), explained shoreline jurisdiction and permitting (including the letter-of-exemption for single-family homes), and said the periodic update begun in 2019 will be reinitiated following the recent comprehensive-plan work.

Anacortes is reinitiating its Shoreline Master Program update, aiming for a "no net loss" of ecological functions—what's next for the city's shoreline?

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1 month ago

Anacortes planners review Shoreline Master Program and prepare to restart 2019 periodic update City planning staff gave the planning commission a refresher on the Shoreline Master Program's structure, permit types and environment designations and said the city will reinitiate a periodic update started in 2019; commissioners asked whether prior work will need to be redone and sought clarification about exemptions and mapping.

Anacortes is gearing up to reinitiate its Shoreline Master Program update, addressing key regulations and environmental designations that impact your waterfront living!

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1 month ago

Anacortes council waives second reading for raptor exemption, approves STAR Center funding and Station 1 remodel Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 5025 to allow licensed falconers and state-authorized institutions exemptions from the city's dangerous wild animal prohibition, approved a $250,000 interlocal agreement with Skagit County to support the STAR Center using opioid-settlement funds, and awarded a $260,704 contract for the Station 1 remodel.

Anacortes City Council just made waves with unanimous decisions on raptor exemptions, STAR Center funding, and a new fire station remodel!

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1 month ago

Anacortes staff outlines 2026 CDBG plan, recommends shelter HVAC, ADA doors and community services funding City staff presented the Community Development Block Grant midyear update and recommended allocating the limited 2026 CDBG dollars to community services (15% cap), an emergency-shelter HVAC replacement, and ADA doors for the Salvation Army, while noting the city's small annual allocation and strict HUD eligibility rules.

Anacortes is gearing up for its 2026 CDBG action plan, focusing on crucial funding for community services, emergency shelter upgrades, and accessibility improvements!

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1 month ago

Anacortes council weighs REET shortfall as finance director previews budget and CFP amendments At a March 2 first reading, Finance Director Steve Hoagland outlined REET projections and proposed 2026 budget and Capital Facilities Plan amendments, prompting council questions about grants, project timing and potential cuts before a public hearing in two weeks.

Anacortes' Finance Director reveals a $1.4 million REET projection for 2026, but warns that adding new projects could lead to future deficits—what will the council decide?

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1 month ago

City attorney details multiple growth‑management appeals, estimates $232,000 in outside counsel and staff costs since 2020 City Attorney Darcy Swetnam briefed the council on consolidated appeals to the Growth Management Hearings Board challenging the city’s comp plan and SEPA decisions, outlined the appellants' claims including inadequate public participation and infrastructure analysis, and estimated roughly $232,000 in outside counsel and attorney costs since 2020 for repeated appeals.

Anacortes is facing a legal showdown over its comprehensive plan, with appeals citing lack of public input and costly attorney fees raising concerns for taxpayers.

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1 month ago

Anacortes staff present updated Community Forest Lands Plan; public urges longer review and clearer comment process Parks staff presented a largely formatting‑focused update to the Anacortes Community Forest Lands Plan and proposed technical changes (trail adjustments, e‑bike rules, new science chapter). Public commenters urged a longer comment period, better documentation of how comments are handled, and sustained maintenance funding.

Anacortes is revamping its Community Forest Lands Plan, but public voices are calling for a more transparent review process before the final vote!

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1 month ago

City attorney briefs council on multiple Growth Management appeals and estimated costs to taxpayers City Attorney Darcy Swetnam updated the council on consolidated appeals to the Growth Management Hearings Board and other proceedings challenging the city’s 2025 comp plan/development regulations and stormwater master plan, listing issues raised by appellants and estimating roughly $232,000 in outside counsel and staff costs to date related to repeated appeals.

City Attorney Darcy Swetnam reveals the city of Anacortes is facing multiple appeals that could impact taxpayers, with legal costs already soaring to $232,000!

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1 month ago

Council adopts unified fee schedule update; applicants to bear certain hearings and stormwater review costs Council approved Resolution 3205 to update cemetery and planning-related fee language, add hearings‑examiner project fees and change stormwater review policy so applicants bear third‑party review costs (staff said policy cost the city ~$64,000 in 2025).

Anacortes City Council has revamped its fee schedule, shifting stormwater review costs to applicants in a move aimed at expediting the permitting process—will this speed up development or slow it down?

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1 month ago

Anacortes council approves $566,653 contract change to study A Avenue landfill under state order Council authorized a $566,653 modification to Anchor QEA’s master services agreement to carry out a remedial investigation at the former A Avenue landfill required by the Washington State Department of Ecology; sampling and monitoring are planned through June 2027.

Anacortes city council just approved a $566,653 contract to investigate potential contamination at the former A Avenue landfill—could this be the start of a major environmental cleanup?

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1 month ago

Council approves $566,653 contract modification for A Avenue landfill remedial investigation The Anacortes City Council authorized a $566,653 modification to a master services agreement with Anchor QEA to fund a remedial investigation (soil, groundwater, seep sampling and monitoring wells) at the former A Avenue landfill under an agreed order with the Washington State Department of Ecology. Work is expected through June 2027.

The Anacortes City Council has greenlit a $566,653 contract modification to kickstart a critical investigation into the former A Avenue landfill, paving the way for essential environmental cleanup.

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2 months ago

Planning staff: 17th Street Cottages approved; comprehensive plan and new development rules now in effect; shoreline and critical areas reviews planned City staff told the Planning Commission that a 17th Street unit-lot subdivision was approved by council, the comprehensive plan and development regulations (ordinances 50 13 and 50 14) took effect Jan. 1, and staff will pursue updates to critical areas, the Shoreline Master Program, impact-fee analyses and a downtown streetscape plan.

Anacortes has exciting updates as the 17th Street Cottages gain council approval and new development regulations take effect, paving the way for a vibrant future!

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2 months ago

Council ratifies three‑year IAFF contract covering 37 firefighters; estimated cost ~$1.5M Council ratified a tentative agreement with IAFF Local 1537 covering 37 employees for Jan. 1, 2026–Dec. 31, 2028, that increases minimum daily staffing to nine and includes wage adjustments, a 2% senior paramedic premium, increased sick‑leave cash‑out and other premiums; staff estimated the cumulative three‑year cost at about $1.5 million.

The Anacortes City Council has just ratified a landmark three-year contract with local firefighters, securing vital wage increases and enhanced benefits for 37 heroes on the front lines.

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2 months ago

Council approves vacation of alley and preliminary unit‑lot subdivision, securing 2.75 acres adjacent to ACFL The council adopted an ordinance vacating roughly 2,407 sq ft of unopened alley in exchange for a quitclaim deed of about 2.75 acres adjacent to Anacortes Community Forest Lands, a public access easement, and $5,000 for future hazard tree removal, and approved the associated 21‑lot unit lot subdivision with cottage standards.

Anacortes City Council just greenlit a major development plan that not only vacates an unopened alley but also secures 2.75 acres of lush land for public access to the Anacortes Community Forest Lands!

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2 months ago

Anacortes accepts donated outboard and $25,000 FLIR gift for marine and fire boats The Anacortes City Council accepted an outboard motor donation valued at over $19,000 for its rescue boat and approved a $25,000 donation from HF Sinclair to add a FLIR camera to a new fire boat, councilors said the gifts will extend operational capability for marine rescues and nighttime search.

Anacortes strengthens its marine safety with a $19,000 donation for a rescue boat upgrade and a $25,000 FLIR camera for enhanced nighttime navigation!

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2 months ago

Anacortes council adopts 2025 year-end budget amendment after finance director warns of reserve use The Anacortes City Council approved Ordinance 5016, a 2025 year‑end budget amendment, after Finance Director Steve Hoagland reported the general fund will rely on approximately $1.4 million in reserves under the current 2026 budget and proposed reallocation of property‑tax allocations to shore up the general fund.

The Anacortes City Council just passed a crucial budget amendment that might reshape the city's financial future, but can they avoid relying on dwindling reserves?

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2 months ago

Anacortes council approves 2025 year-end budget amendment after finance update The Anacortes City Council approved Ordinance 5016, a 2025 year‑end budget amendment covering multiple funds. Finance Director Steve Hoagland reported a projected $1.4 million general-fund gap for 2026 to be partly covered by reserves and previewed a Q1 property-tax reallocation.

Anacortes City Council just approved a budget amendment that reveals a looming $1.4 million gap in 2026 funding—could this impact essential services?

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3 months ago

Anacortes council approves Port’s West Basin shoreline permit and framework plan The Anacortes City Council unanimously approved the Port of Anacortes’ West Basin shoreline substantial development permit (STP20230003) and its framework development plan (FMW20230001), adopting 16 staff-recommended conditions and authorizing the mayor to sign final decisions. Council votes were 6–0 on both items.

The Anacortes City Council has just approved a transformative waterfront redevelopment project that promises to enhance the local economy and community spaces!

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3 months ago

Anacortes council approves Port’s West Basin shoreline permit and framework plan The Anacortes City Council unanimously approved a shoreline substantial development permit (SDP2023003) and a framework development plan (FMW20230001) for the Port of Anacortes’ West Basin redevelopment, subject to 16 staff‑recommended conditions including habitat buffer requirements.

The Anacortes City Council has just greenlit a transformative West Basin redevelopment project that promises new parks and vital habitat protections!

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4 months ago

Anacortes OKs ground lease with Puget Sound Energy for Mount Eerie telecom site Council authorized a ground lease with Puget Sound Energy for the Mount Eerie summit, approving a five‑year term (plus a five‑year extension), a guaranteed minimum payment of $72,000/year and a one‑time $100,000 payment to the city (payable in four installments). The agreement includes transparency and sublease oversight provisions to protect park use.

Anacortes City Council has just greenlit a groundbreaking lease with Puget Sound Energy, promising the city a significant revenue boost while safeguarding park use at Mount Eerie!

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4 months ago

Anacortes planning commission backs Port’s West Basin framework and shoreline permit, with conditions The Planning Commission unanimously recommended City Council approve the Port of Anacortes’ West Basin framework development plan and shoreline substantial development permit, with modifications requiring the final framework and exhibits be recorded and a recommended 15‑year expiration; commissioners pressed the Port on the dog park, building heights, traffic and stormwater.

The Anacortes Planning Commission has given a green light to a transformative development plan aimed at revitalizing the waterfront and boosting the local economy, but what does this mean for residents and the environment?

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4 months ago

Anacortes adopts 2025 comprehensive plan and companion development regulations Council adopted Ordinance 5,013 (2025 comprehensive plan) and Ordinance 5,014 (development regulation amendments) after a multi‑year process; staff said the update adds a climate element, housing projections and state‑required changes for accessory dwelling units.

Anacortes has just adopted a transformative 20-year comprehensive plan that includes exciting new climate initiatives and housing strategies!

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4 months ago

Anacortes approves purchase of Axon Taser 10s for police department Council authorized a five‑year contract (26‑027‑APTD‑001) with Axon Enterprise for APD Model 10 devices totaling $136,435.20; staff said legacy X26 devices are no longer supported and the Model 10 offers longer range, more probe options and integration with evidence systems.

Anacortes City Council has approved a $136K contract for new advanced tasers, promising enhanced safety and better evidence management for the police department.

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4 months ago

Anacortes approves interlocal with Skagit County to fund marine unit; city to receive about 30% of county vessel fees Council authorized an interlocal agreement with Skagit County that will allocate roughly 30% of county vessel-registration fees to Anacortes Police Department’s marine program (estimated ~$15,000) and noted an expected additional Washington State Parks/Coast Guard grant (~$15,000) for 2026.

Anacortes City Council just greenlit a new marine unit that will boost public safety and education, thanks to a partnership with Skagit County for vessel-registration fees!

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4 months ago

Anacortes narrows 2026 legislative priorities: event center, SR‑20 funding and nutrient-permit concerns among top items Staff presented draft 2026 legislative priorities and council discussed pursuing capital funds for a joint community event center with the Port, pressing state funding for Commercial Avenue/State Route 20, and seeking affordability and funding for nutrient-general-permit compliance for the wastewater plant; the item was discussion-only and will return to council.

Anacortes is gearing up for 2026 with bold legislative priorities, from a new community event center to urgent funding for local highways and wastewater upgrades!

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4 months ago

Council authorizes interlocal agreement to fund Anacortes marine unit with vessel-registration fees Council authorized an interlocal agreement with Skagit County to receive a roughly 30% share of county vessel-registration fees and additional pass-through grants to support a city marine program for outreach, education and accident prevention; staff said annual insurance is about $2,222 and estimated fee revenue near $15,000.

Anacortes City Council just approved a new marine safety program funded by vessel-registration fees, aiming to enhance education and accident prevention in local waters!

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4 months ago

Council refines 2026 legislative priorities; event center, Commercial Avenue funding and nutrient permit concerns highlighted Council discussed draft 2026 legislative priorities including support for a community event center, behavioral-health capacity funding, preserving state shared revenue, state highway maintenance funding for Commercial Avenue (State Route 20), and concerns about a Department of Ecology nutrient general permit; staff will refine language and return next meeting.

Anacortes is gearing up for a pivotal legislative session with bold plans for a community event center, enhanced behavioral health support, and crucial funding for road maintenance—find out how these priorities could reshape the city's future!

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