Community Voices

Affordable Housing Crisis: Experts Say Anacortes’ Comprehensive Plan Misses Key GMA Mandates

Two of our longtime affordable‑housing leaders say Anacortes’ draft Comprehensive Plan fails the basic requirements of the Growth Management Act — especially when it comes to housing for low‑income residents. Their message: The GMA demands specifics. Not vague promises, not “the market will fix it,” but real numbers on who needs housing, how many units are required, where those units will go, and how the city will pay for them. Recent rulings in Mercer Island…

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Conditional Use Permits Improve Projects and Protect Neighborhood Character

For decades, conditional uses helped Anacortes grow responsibly and democratically. Removing them now trades community voice for developer convenience — and risks turning collaborative planning into autocracy. Conditional uses improve projects and protect neighborhood character Skipping them forces neighbors into expensive legal battles Ignoring easements, covenants, and environmental standards just shifts costs onto residents Pretending development rules cover every scenario is unrealistic in a complex island ecosystem The message is simple: Democracy takes time. Public…

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