Town officials spent two hours July 22 reviewing strategic goals and conducting regular business, emphasizing recent accomplishments and future priorities.
La Conner Town Council and staff gathered to assess progress on their five-year strategic plan and conduct a scheduled business meeting. Mayor Marna Hanneman described the planning session as “robust and productive.”
Launched in 2023, the plan outlines priorities including public safety, economic development, infrastructure, agriculture, and staffing.
Town Administrator Scott Thomas and Councilmember MaryLee Chamberlain also cited progress. Thomas acknowledged some goals remain unmet, but said several items have been completed. “We got stuff done that we intended to get done,” Chamberlain said.
Recent accomplishments include the upcoming delivery of a new fireboat, supported by the Port of Skagit and community donors, and the creation of an emergency management commission. The Town also added a climate element to its comprehensive plan.
Councilmembers Mary Wohleb and Chamberlain, as part of the Skagit Valley Clean Energy Alliance, helped secure funding for solar energy projects, including one at La Conner Schools that will support a community emergency shelter.
Other completed or ongoing projects include converting First Street to one-way southbound traffic and improving pedestrian safety on Washington and Road streets.
Looking ahead, the Town faces state-mandated upgrades to its 50-year-old wastewater treatment plant, a water line replacement on Channel Drive, and a plan to establish a farmers market that complements rather than duplicates existing local offerings.
Thomas floated the idea of inviting Swinomish Shellfish Co. to participate and exploring seasonal markets, such as a Christmas-themed event. “There aren’t too many Christmas markets in the area,” he noted.
Budget constraints will likely limit the Town’s flexibility. “We’re going to be pretty lean for this year,” Hanneman said of the 2026 budget.
During the regular session, Town Planner Ajah Eills reported that La Conner is eligible for a free municipal website redesign — but only if it adopts a brand template including a logo, font, and color scheme. The council authorized Eills to begin developing the branding.
Eills said a new website will improve public engagement. “Our present website is not terribly user-friendly,” she said.
Councilmember Wohleb encouraged public input and suggested the Town Arts Commission be involved in the branding process.
In other business:
- The council approved the 2025 water system plan update and a greenhouse gas reduction policy.
- Hanneman said she will contact Swinomish Senator Rodney John to see if he is interested in producing the Town’s next Fourth of July fireworks display.
- The Maple Center spirit wheel is being refurbished by Public Works and will be repainted by the La Conner Senior Center wood carving class.
- An ArtsWA representative will visit Aug. 14 for a walking tour related to the Town’s Creative District application.
- Council will consider expanding planning commission eligibility to school district residents at its Aug. 12 meeting.
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.
