by Richard Uhlhorn
On Tuesday, April 7, the City of Chelan hosted the Chelan-Douglas Port Authority commissioners to its monthly workshop meeting. The chamber was crowded with a number of residents in attendance to hear about several different agenda items including the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Report and discussion on the potential of Short Term Rental Cap.
First on the agenda was a presentation by Mayor Erin McCardle on a current Economic Situation Analysis. Much of her report on the economic situation in Chelan was compared to Leavenworth.
“We don’t have an economic development department in Chelan,” stated McCardle. “We haven’t taken a deep dive into the economic data in Chelan.” McCardle added that she hoped both the Port and Chamber would be a part of the economic conversation as the City moves forward.
McCardle relayed that between2014 and 2024 visitors to Chelan were decreasing by 12% while Leavenworth had a 0.6% decrease. “Visitors are staying longer,” said McCardle, however she noted that $24.8 million has driven Chelan’s economy. “One-half of you population heads south in the winter.”
McCardle stated that the City needs to create a year round economy for its residents, businesses and city operations. “Tourism is the major economic driver for Chelan,” she stated.
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth said, “One observation I’ve made is very city specific. I think it is important to understand how the city fits in with the Valley as a whole.” He added that Manson has seen tremendous growth which has shifted some of the City’s lodging to the broader Valley. “We need to look at that.”
Hollingsworth also mentioned then need to develop a diversity of industry. Also the need to market the shoulder season. “We are surrounded by a variety of natural beauty. The Butte Trail is a big attraction into Thanksgiving.” He also mentioned mountain biking, winter skiing specifically Echo Ridge Nordic area.
McCardle stated that the City needs to establish a solid economic strategy. “The waterline to the airport opens a lot of opportunities.” A member of the Port Commission stated that the (airport) market is significant. He said that a Trade District could get people to relocate to the Chelan area.
Hollingsworth added that the Port undervalues Lake Chelan as a port. “It is under utilized… we need to expand Holden, Lucerne and Stehekin using the City as the hub. NPS (National Park Service) needs to be marketed.”
Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce executive director Mike Steele remarked that they are struggling to get anything done up there (Stehekin) right now. “It is an emergency situation that needs to be handled right now and no one seems to have the right phone number to call.”
Councilman Agustin Benegas asked how fast do they want Chelan to grow. “I’m Ok with growth but it could ruin a good thing.”
The Port commissioners weighed in on the issues. One remarked that BCs Thompson-Okanagan Tourist Association is very specific of who they want to visit. “What type of individuals do you want,” he asked.
Another Port commissioner said that most of the region’s infrastructure is maxed out and that land prices are a challenge. “You have a reserve that a lot of places don’t have,” he said.
Another commissioner said that the Cost of Living and Affordable Rentals are serious issues for people wanting to live in Chelan. Hollingsworth replied that all of the growth opportunities require a strong workforce which requires a variety of housing options. “Those are important things we can’t lose sight of. You can’t have them coming from Mansfield or Pateros.” McCardle added that 80% of Chelan’s workforce travel in to work.
Port commissioner Richard DeRock stated that the LINK public transportation system helps those people commute. “LINK is moving people,” said DeRock.
Chelan Workshops are held on every first Tuesday of the Month and give the staff and city council an opportunity to discuss issues facing the community prior to bringing those issues to council meetings. The Public is encouraged to attend, but are not allowed to talk unless the Mayor approves it.
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