Intros (I tried my best to get this but can’t swear to accuracy): Matt Cole (Ridgefield), Judy Chipman (Ridgefield), Tom Strobehn (La Center), Troy McCoy (Battle Ground), Eric Paulson (Vancouver), David Scott (?), Sam Crummett (BG), Amanda Lomasney (Cowlitz), Steve Hogan (Camas), Tammy Quigley (Cowlitz), Dave Fritz (Washougal), Alan Peters (Camas), Josh Reynolds (Cowlitz), Dean Reynolds (Cowlitz)

Dave Fritz (Washougal) concerned re: timing, asking for no further delays. Sue asks what the delay means to Washougal. Still working on it will get back.

Tom Strobehn (La Center) asks if the county council is aware of the challenges the cities have? Mentions that Sue has visited. The other councilors state their willingness to learn. La Center’s only growth opportunity to grow is towards I-5 exit 16 (Ilani). Budget issues prevent road building away from the freeway.

Troy McCoy (BG) also concerned about the delay. It delays bringing jobs to Battle Ground (they plan to grow along 219^th to Dollars Corner for jobs). Would have liked to have known that Ag Land would be on the table earlier in the process. Too late to include now. Ridgefield notes that they assumed ag land was ok to use. Sue – No one knew about ag study till 12/6/24. Someone suggests next time they start/kick off the comp plan with a work session together. Staff has, but not any of the electeds. Council turnover during the process also a challenge.

Dave Fritz (Washougal) concerned about their eligibility for grants due to delay. Sue said the county is going to follow up on that question to determine the cities’ liability.

Eric Paulson (Vancouver) - talks to the VBLM, that it could be more accurate. Offers staff to talk to county staff to discuss details. Changes would be subtle but helpful to all cities.

Camas – also want to stay on track to complete by June. Time for Cities to adapt and adjust to findings of Ag Study.

Judy Chipman (Ridgefield). There are people in Ridgefield who are pro and anti growth. Problem includes lack of affordability – Land is expensive. Working with developers to hold some apartments for 60% and 80% AMI.

Eric Paulson – mentions the requirement to plan for affordability to different income bands, which requires subsidies (one time and ongoing) as an unfunded mandate from the state. Need to communicate to the legislature about that. (Note: they do not want the county to grow their urban growth boundaries).

Troy McCoy (BG) – city is collaborating with county on a VHA (Vancouver Housing Authority) project. Asking for employment lands.

Discussion of Ag Study. Could be land that is no longer suitable and is de-designated, could be land that is designated. Discussion of the decision process after the study comes back, what can the cities provide to help with that.

Sue talks about the population and job allocations and the need to have a defensible plan. Matt Cole (Ridgefield) talks about each city’s “identity”. Discussion of if Ridgefield needs to add land to meet the goals of the GMA. Comment that some land is not buildable – 80% slope, no-one wants to build over a dump.

Eric Paulson art and science. Art is the vision for a city, science is the data and the requirements of the GMA.

Sue talks about risk to the county if they don’t follow the law. Have lost millions of dollars in the past when challenged and fighting and losing on past comp plans.

Troy McCoy – want to ensure communication from county to the city electeds, not just staff.

Sue mentions the recently created Agricultural Commission.

Everyone makes nice. Sounds like there is interest in doing this sort of thing at least annually. Sue agrees, and mentions collaborating on affordable housing to meet the income band requirement.

Meeting adjourned with a commitment from the county to follow up on list of items.

Acronyms: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1px5oVxYkLWTB7_lMir6ACx6CJ1e-PMpQrXntJbdj3YI/edit?usp=sharing

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