04/19/2026
Franklin County Planning and Economic Development Department
502 W. Boeing Street | Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 545-3521
Contact: Wes McCart, Planning and Economic Development Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRANKLIN COUNTY SEEKS COMMUNITY INPUT ON THE COUNTY’S FUTURE
Pasco, WA — Franklin County is continuing the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan, a once-a-decade initiative required under Washington State’s Growth Management Act. Known as the “periodic update,” the revised plan will guide development and policy decisions through the year 2046. The final version is expected to be adopted by the end of 2026.
This important effort relies on broad public input to shape the future of Franklin County. Community members — including residents, business owners, property owners, students, and civic groups — are encouraged to participate in this open and collaborative process.
What is the Comprehensive Plan?
The Comprehensive Plan is a long-range policy document adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. It provides a framework for growth, infrastructure investment, and land use decisions over the next 20 years. The updated plan will articulate a shared vision for how Franklin County should look, feel, and function by 2046. It will include goals and policies in areas such as:
Housing
Land Use
Transportation
Economic Development
Natural Environment
Public Services and Facilities
How to Get Involved
Franklin County invites all interested parties to continue to stay informed and participate in shaping the Comprehensive Plan. Here's how you can engage:
Visit the Project Website
Learn more about the update and stay informed at: https://engage.ahbl.com/Franklin2046.
The website includes project schedules, draft documents, meeting announcements, maps, and a public comment portal, and will continue to be updated throughout the process.
Join the Email List
Stay updated via email. Sign up by contacting: [email protected] or by subscribing through the “Want to Stay Updated?” section on the project website.
Attend an Upcoming Open House Event
Share your feedback in person. Three upcoming Open House events will offer opportunities to participate. Drop by anytime between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on the date listed below for each location with questions or to find out more about the project.
Open House
Pasco High School (Located in the Library - access through the Visitors Entrance on N. 10th Avenue)
Thursday, April 23
Open House
Connell High School (Located in the Cafeteria)
Tuesday, April 28
Open House
Markham Elementary School (Located in the Library)
Thursday, April 30
Spanish-speaking staff will be available to assist at these events.
Additional meeting dates and details will be posted on the project website.
Take the Community Survey
A community survey is being conducted to receive community input and comments. The survey covers a range of topics relating to County growth and development. It is available through May 8, 2026, and is translatable into multiple languages including Spanish. The survey is available on the project website at https://engage.ahbl.com/Franklin2046/s
A Message from the Planning Director
Wes McCart, Planning and Economic Development Director, emphasized the plan’s importance:
“This comprehensive plan update will incorporate current data, land use trends, and infrastructure needs to guide future growth, protect agricultural lands, and direct public investment. Our goal is to meet all state planning requirements in a clear and accessible way.”
For more information, visit https://engage.ahbl.com/Franklin2046 or contact the Franklin County Planning and Economic Development Department at (509) 545-3521.
Franklin County is conducting a periodic update to the Comprehensive Plan
