Community Advisory Committee
Date: May 30, 2014
Subject: Vision & Values Statement Proposal - Draft
The CAC reviewed materials developed from citywide community meetings, reviewed examples from
other Washington communities and engaged in thoughtful discussion to develop a Vision & Values
Statement for the 2016 Comprehensive Plan.
After several iterations, the CAC proposes the following Vision statement for Anacortes:
Anacortes’s vision is to be a unique and friendly marine waterfront community which
supports cultural and economic diversity, balances sustainable growth with respect for
our history, and protects the natural environment now and for future generations.
Other considerations were:
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To be a distinct and cohesive island community, with friendly, diverse, engaged, supportive, and
creative citizens. Anacortes balances environmental sustainability with a dynamic thriving
economy, vibrant downtown and waterfront, multi-use public forests, and a culture that
celebrates Anacortes’s history and beautiful natural setting.
Anacortes's long range vision is: To be a friendly, diverse, and creative island community that
creates opportunities for all residents, that is connected to the wider world, that has excellent
public lands and a vibrant unique waterfront, which welcomes economic development while
respecting the environment, with a culture that celebrates the town's heritage, its marine
traditions, and its beautiful natural setting.
To be a distinct island community where we are encouraged to participate in decision making;
where political, economic and cultural institutions work to benefit all and where we protect our
environment.
To further define and clarify that which is important to us, the CAC suggests incorporating the following
Values Statement.
Pursue Environmental Sustainability
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Embrace a conservation ethic.
Develop and maintain healthy marine and land ecosystems.
Prepare for natural disasters and climate change.
Embrace and promote green energy and technology opportunities.
Adopt innovative and environmentally sensitive development practices.
Community Advisory Committee
Date: May 30, 2014
Subject: Vision & Values Statement Proposal - Draft
Pursue Economic Sustainability
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Encourage diverse economic opportunities.
Leverage our marine traditions (waterfronts).
Acquire and retain highly skilled trade/crafts.
Actively recruit new businesses and support existing businesses.
Encourage a lively downtown and commercial areas.
Invest appropriately in infrastructure
o Utilities, communication, transportation, schools, services…
Adopt innovative and creative technologies.
Leverage Anacortes’ natural and recreational amenities.
Provide a Supportive & Connected Community
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Provide a variety of housing types in all price ranges.
Utilize residents’ extensive knowledge and experience.
Be aware of how we relate to issues around the world
Provide good access to town amenities.
Provide high quality health & community services.
Make education available for people of all ages and abilities.
Provide cultural and artistic activities and opportunities.
Offer a variety of year-round recreational and tourism opportunities.
Provide good pedestrian, bicycle, and multi-modal access.
Embrace a Culture that Celebrates Anacortes’s History and Beautiful
Natural Setting
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Preserve of our historic places and natural surroundings.
Preserve the historic, pedestrian-friendly scale of Old Town and the CBD.
Preserve public marine and forest views.
Develop design standards reflecting small-town scale and character.
Engage the community and guests in festivals and other events.
Provide and protect access to waterfront and forestlands.
Encourage year-round visitors.