In accordance with the state’s Growth Management Act, every ten years the local community comes together to update this important document that guides the vision and growth for Gig Harbor over the following 20 years. The city’s current Comprehensive Plan can be reviewed here. Gig Harbor’s updated plan will be ready for City Council approval late in 2024 and is required to be adopted by December 31, 2024.  

Components of the city’s current Comprehensive Plan were on display on Saturday, May 20 during a Community Visioning Fair at the city’s Civic Center. Attendees, approximately 60 strong, reviewed policies included in the current plan representing Land Use, Economic Development, Waterfront, Housing, Environment, Transportation, and Arts and Culture. Attendees were invited to share comments, ask questions of staff, and take part in an exercise rating each topic regarding how on target the relative current policies are and whether changes in direction are needed. Additionally, city staff offered a presentation by way of a GIS Storymap that provides an interactive look at certain elements of the Comprehensive Plan. All comments provided at this event will be read and added to the record to assist in the development of the plan update.

The Visioning Fair on Saturday was just a portion of the first phase of the plan update. This phase includes focus group interviews, planning commission work sessions, development of a website, and public notifications via posters and postcards to residents. 

City staff will be at community events and public meetings over the next year to share information about the project and receive feedback. Events, process schedule, and much more can be found on the project website. Events and meetings scheduled soon include: 

• June 1, 2023 – Opening Day of the Waterfront Farmers Market, Skansie Park, 1:00-6:00 p.m.
• June 1, 2023 – Joint City Council and Planning Commission Meeting, Civic Center, 5:30 p.m.
• June 3 – 4, 2023 – Maritime Gig Festival, Downtown Gig Harbor
• June 15, 2023 – Planning Commission Meeting, Civic Center, 5:30 p.m.