Welcome to Skagit County

June 1st, 2009

Skagit County launches new website for Planning Commission

SKAGIT COUNTY--Skagit County took another big step toward openness and transparency in government today with the release of a revamped website for the county's Planning Commission.

The new website, available at www.skagitcounty.net/planning (click on "Planning Commission") offers downloadable meeting transcripts, presentation documents, and recordings in streaming video and mp3 podcast formats.

In this way, members of the public will have access to all the same information available to the Planning Commissioners. "We expect the availability of video recordings of commission meetings to dramatically improve public accessibility of our land use planning processes and improve communication and interaction with the public," Planning and Development Services Director Gary Christensen said. "In addition, providing these documents to the commission electronically rather than on paper will greatly reduce the burden on staff, which is stretched to its limit in the current budget environment."

The Board of County Commissioners agreed. "Our goal in land use planning is to ensure the public has easy access to information," Commission Chair Ken Dahlstedt said. "The Board eagerly supports opportunities to increase public participation while decreasing our costs."

Planning Commissioners also applauded the change. "Transparency is always a good thing," Planning Commission Chair Bill Stiles said. "This update will give the public the opportunity to follow and participate in the activities of the Planning Commission like never before." Commissioner Annie Lohman added, "I strongly believe in getting all the information we can electronically, especially with staff cuts and postage prices going up."

The Planning Commission, which on average meets once or twice per month, is the primary citizen advisory body to the Skagit County Commissioners on land use planning and regulation. The Planning and Development Services Department, which staffs the Planning Commission, has made significant cuts in recent weeks to help the County close its expected budget gap.

For more information contact Gary Christensen, Planning and Development Services Director, at 360.336.9410 Ext. 5624 or garyc@co.skagit.wa.us.