Thurston County seeks community input on Comprehensive Plan during Swede Day in Rochester

The public is invited to attend an open house to learn about and provide feedback on Thurston County’s Comprehensive Plan — Thurston 2045 — at the 46th annual Swede Day Mid-Sommer Festival in Rochester on Saturday, June 21.

The plan serves as a long-term guide for how and where Thurston County grows over the next two decades.

“The Comprehensive Plan plays a critical role in shaping how the county responds to growth and change. Thurston County’s population is projected to grow by nearly 89,000 people over the next two decades — reaching close to 400,000 by 2045, according to state estimates,” said the county in an announcement about the open house. 

“The plan will guide how the (county) accommodates this growth through policies on housing, transportation, the environment, natural resources, climate, economic development, community health, capital facilities, and utilities.”

The plan will be available for review from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at an open house booth near Swede Hall.

“To help introduce the plan and hear directly from residents, county staff will host an open house booth at the annual Swede Day Mid-Sommer Festival,” the county said.

“Community members are encouraged to stop by to explore the county’s long-range planning efforts, ask questions, and share their feedback. Staff will be available with interactive displays and engaging activities — all in a casual, come-and-go setting.”

Swede Hall is located at 18543 Albany St. SW in Rochester.

More information about the county’s comprehensive plan, and online comment forms are available on the county’s website.