By Richard Uhlhorn
The City of Chelan and Manson Community are both in the process of determining how to control their growth but maintain a healthy community through the new tourism economy.
Chelan:
Mayor McCardle told her staff and council members at a special meeting on June 4 that tourism is the driving force, not only in Chelan and the Valley, but also Chelan County.
She attended a meeting with Leavenworth and Wenatchee and said, “It was two hours of providing information on how tourism impacts the region.”
McCardle mentioned the upcoming Lakeside Trail project as a top priority for citizens. The construction will begin the day after the Fourth of July weekend and be completed in October at a cost of $4,159,180.49.
KRCI was the successful bidder on the project. Jake Youngren, Public Works Director stated that the city was able to leverage the WSDOT $2,516,566 contribution to the project with $500,000 from the TIB (Transportation Improvement Board) and $251,688 from LINK Transit. “We will need an additional $640,428,” said Youngren.
The additional funds could come from the city’s unobligated funds or through an interfund loan from the water fund. “We can wait until the project is done to do an amendment. I am also open to amending the contract now,” stated Youngren.
Tim Hollingsworth remarked that the trail corridor is complicated. “It will connect Slidewaters and the Boat Company,” said Hollingsworth. “It is an amenity a lot of people will take advantage of.”
Mark Ericks remarked that while he would be voting for the project, he was concerned about the budget. Youngren replied that the contract was executed per the plan and KRCI has a contractual obligation to perform the construction at the bid price. Youngren said additional amendments would only be allowed for unforeseen circumstances.
Mayor McCardle asked if the contract could be amended. Youngren said, “No… This is not an open ended contract. KRCI has bought off on the contract. They will be partners with the city. This is not an open-ended thing.”
When complete the Lakeshore Trail will be an incredible move forward to provide residents and visitors alike with a world-class trail system.
The Council voted six to one with Bob Goedde voting Nay on approving the contract.
Strategic Retreat/Stehekin Director’s retreat:
The City of Chelan held a strategic retreat at Sunset Marina on April 29 for the sole purpose of setting some City priorities.
Mayor Erin McCardle told the staff and council that the same questions get asked every year. “Tonight, we are setting a clear direction for the staff,” she said. She based the challenge on the City’s core values. “How are we measuring success with what we are doing.”
The staff and council followed up the Strategic Retreat with an overnight director’s retreat in Stehekin to further set City priorities for 2026.
Communications Director Chad Coltman said at the June 4 Special Meeting that the Stehekin brainstorming session looked at what was really possible for the city to do.
The priorities include:
- Continue partnership with the HDCA to promote local programming and continue the city’s investments in downtown Chelan.
- Create a sub-area trails plan for Apple Blossom Center to downtown.
- Look at commercial waterfront possibilities.
- Add economic development to the city’s website.
- Affordable housing funding opportunities
Growth:
The Planning Department is beginning work on the Comprehensive Plan that is due in 2026. The Parks PROs plan is also being worked on.
The City is developing County partnerships, particularly on traffic impacts with a regional transportation study.
Affordable housing:
While the City is in partnership with the Chelan Housing Trust and Habitat for Humanity, a new law will allow property owners to allow the construction of two ADUs on lots. The City will look at pre-approved ADU plans for easy permitting.
A part of the Comp. Plan will be to revise the City’s development standards to streamline affordable housing projects.
Recreation opportunities:
The City had a desire to provide more diverse recreational opportunities for its residents and visitors.
In order to provide these services for the public, the City Parks is working with and Ad-Hoc group develop fiscal sustainability for its parks system including the golf course, RV park, parks and new developments like the Chelan Gorge Park (formerly called Stinky Field).
Maintaining its existing parks remains a priority. Partnerships are being developed with the Community Center, Boys and Girls Club and other Youth sports groups.
Continue its efforts at opening up more pocket parks for lake access.
In 2026 the City will begin planning for the Apple Blossom Trail that will connect Apple Blossom Center to the downtown area.
The City will also look at leveraging STR fees to help provide better recreational facilities which will include an economic development study.
All Things Lake Chelan 