Comprehensive Plan Update

ADOPTED 2023 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Envision Your Future and the Future of White Salmon!

White Salmon 2040 was a forward-thinking initiative designed to shape the future of the City and establish a clear roadmap for achieving long-term success. As an update to the City’s comprehensive plan, this policy document will guide future development and public investments. Building on the rich history and unique qualities that make White Salmon such a vibrant place to live, the updated plan will chart a course toward a thriving future. Central to this effort is a new community vision, reflecting the aspirations and goals of residents for the next 20 years.

Crafting this vision was a vital step in the comprehensive plan update, ensuring that the future of White Salmon aligns with the hopes and needs of the community.

The visioning process focused on three questions:

Where is White Salmon now?
Where does White Salmon want to be by 2040?
How do we get there?

In the summer of 2019, the City actively gathered input from the community by posing the three key questions at the Farmer’s Market and Movies in the Park. A survey was also made available on the City’s website to reach a wider audience. Additionally, City Council members and local residents organized informal 2040 Vision discussions with friends, neighbors, and colleagues to ensure diverse perspectives were included.

The feedback collected during the summer and fall of 2019 was presented to the Planning Commission at their meeting on September 25, 2019, marking a key milestone in shaping the City’s future vision.

White Salmon Comprehensive Plan Update
Vision Statement
October 16, 2019

In 2040, White Salmon is a thriving village bounded by mountains, rivers and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. We nurture innovation and diversity, creating opportunities and partnerships that foster a prosperous community. Our unique location affords residents and visitors a gateway to explore the surrounding natural beauty. The city offers small streets and pedestrian paths that allow residents to walk to a variety of destinations, interact regularly with neighbors, and support a vibrant downtown business district. Our quality of life is based on balanced and sustainable growth that contributes to the community’s authenticity and prosperity.

Housing + Land Use
The built environment in White Salmon is integrated with the beauty of its setting. An established area for future growth underscores the important contribution each new development brings, and the obligation to reinforce our village’s character. Natural features and views from the bluff to the Columbia River and Mt. Hood are central to the city’s sense of place. Defined neighborhoods surround the historic business district along Jewett Boulevard. A diverse stock of quality, well-designed homes serve the full range of ages, incomes, and households. New neighborhoods expand housing opportunities and add to a network of green spaces. A secondary, mixed-use area on annexed county land above town and close to city utilities complements downtown and maintains the city’s walkable character.

Transportation
The transportation system reflects our desire to develop at a human scale. Sidewalks, pedestrian trails and bike paths conveniently connect residents to downtown, nature trails and neighborhood destinations. An integrated system of wider, centrally located roads and narrow shared residential roadways provide connections within and among neighborhoods, and safely accommodates all users. Public and private transportation options connect residents to regional destinations on both sides of the river.

Facilities and Capital Improvement Plans
Quality public facilities, services, and utilities contribute to a high quality of life. White Salmon residents value planning for public facilities to ensure they are scaled to manage growth responsibly. Vital community centers and activities connect residents young and old and encourage civic engagement. The library and schools are well planned and maintained to accommodate current and future residents.

Parks and Recreation
Surrounded by natural and scenic beauty, White Salmon is at the center of a recreational wonderland. A city-protected trail system offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. Residents enjoy a variety of parks, green spaces, trails and facilities. A network of neighborhood parks and playgrounds provide daily access for residents to enjoy. Sports fields, specialty parks, a community pool and recreation center promote community gathering and outdoor exercise. Natural areas provide wildlife habitat and enhance local ecosystems. Health and aesthetic benefits are derived from the ample tree canopy. Access to the Columbia Riverfront maintained so that all can appreciate this precious and defining recreational asset.

Urbanization Study

The City also collaborated with Kickstart County to develop an Urbanization Study covering both the city and the surrounding Urban Exempt Area. A copy of the study is available by clicking the link below.