Franklin County residents asked to help shape future direction of county

April 14, 2026

Franklin County officials announced they are asking the community to weigh in on the future direction of the county as they are currently in the process of updating the County’s Comprehensive Plan.

Counties across the state are required to update the comprehensive plan once every 10 years under Washington State’s Growth Management Act. 

Franklin County will be working on the plan, gathering community input, and setting policy to guide the county with the goal of adopting the final plan by the end of 2026. Officials said this revised plan will guide development and policy decisions through the year 2046. 

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 for housing, land use, transportation, economic development, natural environment, as well as public services and facilities. 

Wes McCart, Franklin County Planning and Economic Development Director, emphasized the plan’s importance as he shared, “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.”

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.

Franklin County invites all interested parties to continue to stay informed and participate in shaping the Comprehensive Plan. They invite residents to learn more, provide feedback, and participate in a variety of ways.

Here's how you can engage:

1. 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.

2. Join the Email List

   
   

   Stay updated via email. Sign up by contacting: plan2026@franklincountywa.gov or by subscribing through the “Want to Stay Updated?” section on the project website.

3. 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.

Pasco High School (Located in the Library - access through the Visitors Entrance on N. 10th Avenue) – Thursday, April 23

Connell High School (Located in the Cafeteria) – Tuesday, April 28 

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.

4. 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