County finalizes Comprehensive Plan

After the Pierce County Council passed 44 amendments to the county’s Comprehensive Plan before adopting it this past December, Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello signed the new plan into law on Feb. 5.

Incorporating three years of extensive community engagement, the plan reflects feedback from thousands of people throughout the county and outlines a vision to address affordable housing, conservation and climate change, and vital services in rural and urban areas. 

The plan is updated every 10 years to make sure the county can equitably serve a growing number of residents while preserving rural areas and natural resources. As the second-fastest growing county in Washington state, Pierce County’s population has grown by more than 130,000 people over the past 15 years.

“The Comprehensive Plan is our 20-year vision for growth and building healthy communities throughout Pierce County,” Mello said. “Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Comprehensive Plan and to our community stakeholders for providing helpful feedback.”  

Notable areas of focus in Pierce County’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan include supporting the development of affordable housing by building more housing in areas close to transit, supporting the development of attached and detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in urban and rural areas, and diversifying the types of housing in Pierce County including duplexes, cottages, row homes, and ADUs.

The plan seeks to grow job opportunities across multiple industries particularly by cultivating job growth in high-wage industries throughout Pierce County. Conserving open spaces and addressing climate change is another comp plan priority as is focusing on equitable transportation options by creating a more accessible transportation system that makes it easier for residents to choose public transit, walk, bike, or roll, and continuing to safely operate and maintain Pierce County’s roads, ferry system, and airports.

County staff are now developing the codes and regulations that align with the Comprehensive Plan’s high-level policies. Their work will continue through the spring. 

To view the 2024 Comprehensive Plan, visit piercecountywa.gov/compplan.

The County Council regularly meets every Tuesday at 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers located in the County-City Building at 930 Tacoma Ave. S. and livestreamed at piercecountytv.org and via Zoom.