The dashboard is being released alongside a year-end update highlighting key accomplishments from the past year

The city of Washougal has launched a new Strategic Plan Dashboard to provide residents, businesses, and community partners with a clear, accessible way to track progress on the city’s 2023–2028 Strategic Plan. The dashboard is being released alongside a year-end update highlighting key accomplishments from the past year.

The Strategic Plan Dashboard is designed as a transparent reporting and engagement tool. It allows the public to follow how city leadership is implementing the plan’s five priority areas and measuring progress over time. By making progress and performance data publicly available, the dashboard helps residents and businesses see how city priorities translate into services, infrastructure, and community outcomes over time.

The five priorities of the city of Washougal’s 2023–2028 Strategic Plan are:

• Economic Development and Community Prosperity
• Financial Health and Core Services
• Vibrant Town Center
• “Smart Growth”
• Redefined Community Identity

On the dashboard, each priority area includes measurable data tied to plan outcomes, along with a “How We’re Doing” section that explains progress in plain language. For goals that are tracked annually, users can view historical trends by selecting the “more information” option associated with each data point.

“The dashboard reflects our commitment to accountability and transparency,” said City Manager David Scott. “We promised the community we would continue to monitor and report on our progress, and this tool helps us do that in a consistent and accessible way.”

Several key economic indicators featured on the dashboard show positive trends:

• Washougal currently has 852 licensed and active businesses, an increase of 5.4 percent over the past year.
• Median household income has reached an all-time high of $100,916, up 3.7 percent from last year.

• There are 2,348 “living wage jobs” in Washougal, nearly triple the amount of such jobs a decade ago. 
• Increased revenues from lodging tax, sales tax, and new construction sales tax. 

Together, these indicators help illustrate Washougal’s economic conditions and their relevance to residents and businesses. Growth in licensed and active businesses reflects a healthy local market that supports job opportunities, daily services, and a stable tax base for community needs. Rising median household income and more living wage jobs point to increasing financial stability and the city’s ability to attract and retain residents and employers over time. Increased tax revenues demonstrate growth in tourism, construction, and retail activity.

The Strategic Plan Dashboard was developed following the adoption of the 2023–2028 Strategic Plan, which was shaped by Washougal residents, elected officials, city employees, and community stakeholders. The dashboard will be updated quarterly to reflect new data and milestones.

2025 Strategic Plan Progress Update

In addition to launching the dashboard, the city is sharing a year-end update on progress made during 2025. Key accomplishments include:

• Voter approval of the Regional Fire Authority (RFA)
• Construction underway for the Towncenter Revitalization Project, named “Top Project of the Year” by the Vancouver Business Journal, anticipated to open in spring 2026 
• Fire Station #43 Replacement and Police Station Remodel project in design phase
• Launch of the Citizens Academy
• Launch of the Community Market through a successful summer pilot program, which will return in 2026
• “Washougal Wins When Everyone Pitches In,” a community initiative focused on city beautification
• Completion of the Pendleton Development Agreement
• Downtown aesthetic improvements, including new banners, repaired street lighting, and the campanile art installation
• Continued strong police response times, with performance goals met each quarter
• Receipt of several infrastructure grants and completion of a Community Funding Plan

Much of the year’s progress aligns with three major focus areas of the Strategic Plan: strengthening the city’s financial health, expanding community engagement and vibrancy, and supporting economic growth. The Community Funding Plan and the RFA will help support long-term service levels. New and expanded programs have created additional opportunities for residents to engage, volunteer, and participate in community events. Economic development efforts have contributed to new housing, employment opportunities, and a growing business community.

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of our community, volunteers, and staff, people are recognizing that Washougal is a great place to live, work, and play,” said Mayor David Stuebe.

The city’s work under the Strategic Plan continues to translate into tangible community benefits, including more places to live, shop, and eat; improved infrastructure; increased employment opportunities; and a cleaner, more vibrant city.

Looking ahead to 2026, the city’s priorities include beginning a brand identity project, completing the Comprehensive Plan update, completing design and early construction on the voter-approved Fire Station 43 Replacement and Police Station Remodel project, opening the new Town Center park downtown, finalizing a downtown parking plan, ongoing design and preconstruction efforts for the 32nd Street grade separation project, and continuing to pursue grant funding to support infrastructure and service improvements.

“This plan was created to guide our decisions and help achieve our community’s goals,” Scott said. “It’s encouraging to see the progress we’ve made and to know we are on track to keep building a stronger community.”

The Strategic Plan Dashboard is available at https://cityofwashougal.us/StrategicPlanDashboard.

Information provided by the city of Washougal.