Overview of Thurston County planning process for Nisqually Subarea, presented to Nisqually River Council, 3/16/18

1. Nisqually Subarea Plan Update
• Overview
• Process
• How to get involved
• Initial Outreach & Feedback

2. Nisqually Subarea Plan Update
Overview
• The Nisqually Subarea is just over 9,000 acres of rural lands in
NE Thurston County.
• The existing Nisqually Subarea Plan was adopted in 1992 after
a two year process with extensive community engagement.
• The subarea plan includes 12 goals and numerous policies
established to guide land-use, establish zoning, and protect
rural character & environmentally sensitive areas.
• The County is revisiting all of its land-use plans to determine
what/if any updates are needed to guide future growth &
development out to 2040.

3. Nisqually Subarea Plan Update
PROCESS FOR UPDATING THE NISQUALLY SUBAREA PLAN
1. Assess new information for the subarea (population changes, etc…)
2. Gather community input & hold stakeholder meetings
3. Draft updates & solicit feedback from the public & stakeholders
4. Thurston County Planning Commission review the draft plan, hold a public hearing to listen to community feedback on the
draft plan, & make recommendations on the draft plan to the Board of County Commissioners.
5. The State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) process is undertaken.
6. The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners review the draft plan, hold a public hearing to listen to community
feedback on the draft plan & provide direction to staff.
7. Adoption of the updated subarea plan.

4. Nisqually Subarea Plan Update
PROCESS FOR UPDATING THE NISQUALLY SUBAREA PLAN CONTINUED…

5. Nisqually Subarea Plan Update
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
• Sign-up for project email notifications
• Review the materials & information on the project website
• Provide feedback by participating in the project survey (upcoming)
• Email comments & feedback to project staff
• Volunteer for the Community Working Group (an advisory focus group)
• Attend future project Outreach Events (open houses, etc…, dates TBD)
• Attend Thurston County Planning Commission Public Hearing & testify &/or provide written comments (date
TBD)
• Attend Thurston County Board of County Commissioners Public Hearing & testify &/or provide written
comments (date TBD)

6. Nisqually Subarea Plan Update
INITIAL OUTREACH & FEEDBACK
• Open House held March 3, 2018 (81 attendees)

7. Nisqually Subarea Plan Update
QUESTIONS?
Celinda Adair
adairc@co.Thurston.wa.us
(360) 867-2087
Project website:
www.co.Thurston.wa.us/planning/nisqually/nisqually-sub-area-plan-update.htm