Shoreline Planning Commission Regular Meeting - January 18, 2024

The January 18, 2024 regular meeting of the Shoreline Planning Commission focused on the Shoreline 2044 Comprehensive Plan update. Key topics included the presentation of outreach results from Phase 2 engagement, a final proposed draft vision for the plan, the plan outline and timeline, community demographic analysis, growth targets, and the process for reviewing existing goals and policies. Commissioners and public comment offered feedback on language, engagement strategies, and future work. No unfinished or new business was considered.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda approved as presented.
• Minutes from the January 4, 2024 regular meeting approved as presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kathleen Russell, Shoreline resident representing Save Shoreline Trees, requested that the Planning Commission take action to replace the word "nature" with "urban forest" (which is defined in Shoreline Municipal Code 20.20.050) throughout the Comprehensive Plan draft. She also submitted a revision to the vision statement's second bullet ("A Model for Sustainability") to explicitly include retention and increase of the existing tree canopy.

Discussion Items

• Phase 2 Outreach Summary (Elise Keim, Planning Manager): Staff conducted tabling events, interviews, focus groups, educational presentations, an Economic Development workshop, an in-person open house, and an online open house with survey. Top themes from outreach included: increasing safety and infrastructure; investing in nature, parks, and open space; expanding community services and recreational opportunities; prioritizing affordable housing and local employment; and creating more "third places." Staff noted that partnering with community-based organizations and community consultants was valuable, and that online outreach was effective for broad engagement while in-person events yielded deeper feedback on specific topics.
• Vision Alternatives and Final Draft Vision (Steve Szafran, Senior Planner): Staff presented a final proposed draft vision based on input from the Planning Commission and City Council. The draft begins with a tagline: "In 2044, Shoreline is a welcoming, safe, and inclusive home to people from a diverse set of cultures and economic backgrounds. The city is a place made for people and one that fosters connections to community, making the city even better for future generations." It then lists five bullet points: a leader in anti-racism, a model for sustainability, an economic and employment innovator, a city of walkable well-connected neighborhoods, and a caring and informed community. The vision closes with "The people of Shoreline are committed to making the city even better for the next generation."
• Comprehensive Plan Outline, Timeline, and Lenses (Mandy Roberts, Principal Planner at Otak): Ms. Roberts reviewed the high-level schedule, noting that engagement will continue throughout. The plan outline includes an introduction, community profile, plan elements (natural environment, shoreline master program, transportation, land use, housing, economic development, community development, parks/recreation/open space/arts, utilities, capital facilities), and an implementation and monitoring section. Three lenses—Climate, Equity and Social Justice, and Housing—will be applied across all elements. The community profile data included population growth, increasing diversity, an aging population (20% age 65+ vs. 13% regionally), cost burden analysis, income distribution, commute patterns (majority drive alone, but work-from-home higher than region), and growth targets (13,330 new housing units and 10,000 new jobs by 2044, with income-band requirements per House Bill 1220).
• Goal and Policy Review Process (Mandy Roberts): For each element, existing goals and policies will be evaluated against the three lenses and compliance with state, regional, and county requirements. A matrix format will be used, with proposed new language. Commissioners will review and comment over a two- to three-week period per module, with discussion at the next meeting.
• Commissioner Discussion:
  • Commissioner Brinson and Vice Chair Rwamashongye expressed appreciation for the vision draft, noting that their feedback was incorporated.
  • Vice Chair Rwamashongye highlighted the need for senior housing based on demographic data and praised staff for addressing low-hanging safety improvements during the planning process. He also commended staff's public engagement efforts.
  • Commissioner Callahan asked about coordination with school district enrollment projections; Ms. Roberts confirmed they will coordinate.
  • Commissioner Lin asked if the schedule was too aggressive given new commissioners joining; staff explained the state deadline necessitated the timeline but that new commissioner orientation will include comp plan training and that less complex elements will be addressed first.
  • Commissioner Mosier inquired about aligning the Housing element with new middle housing requirements; Ms. Keim noted they plan to have goals, policies, and implementing code amendments in alignment. Mr. Bauer added that the intention is for the commission to review both the final comp plan and a set of development code amendments for middle housing at the same time. Commissioner Mosier also asked about ensuring enough public comment on middle housing; staff noted a separate grant for outreach on middle housing regulations and that additional outreach on draft goals and policies will occur. Commissioner Mosier recommended providing examples contextual to Shoreline's lot configurations.
  • Commissioner Brinson clarified the timeline for ordinance language after the comp plan; Director Bauer confirmed that middle housing code amendments would be taken concurrently or right after adoption of the Comprehensive Plan.

Key Outcomes

• The Planning Commission expressed support for the final proposed draft vision statement and will forward it to City Council for review.
• Staff will incorporate the public comment from Save Shoreline Trees into the vision and plan language for further consideration.
• The Commission will begin reviewing specific plan elements in February, starting with the Natural Environment and Shoreline Master Program elements at the next meeting on February 1, 2024.
• The goal-and-policy review process will use a two-touch approach (introduction at one meeting, discussion at the next) with opportunity for flexibility if needed, especially on complex topics like middle housing.
• No formal votes were taken; all actions were consensus-based and procedural.