City Goals

Lake Forest Park Comprehensive Plan Update 2024

Lake Forest Park is working on the required periodic update of its Comprehensive Plan (also called the “Comp Plan”). The Comp Plan memorializes the community’s vision for the future and sets goals and policies for growth, infrastructure, and services necessary to achieve the vision and align with the community’s values and priorities. To read more and sign up for email or text updates about the Comprehensive Plan Update 2024, please click here.

Lakefront Park Property Planning Process

The Lake Forest Park Mayor and City Council have established improving public waterfront access as a high priority. This project was identified as a high priority in the City’s Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails (PROST) plan.

The City of Lake Forest Park has acquired 2 parcels, totaling 1.91 acres, on the shores of Lake Washington. This land is located near the Town Center, Burke-Gilman Trail, and adjacent to the scenic Lyon Creek Waterfront Preserve. As of now, the City lacks public water access, and this project aims to provide the community with active water recreation opportunities in a beautiful area.

This process will involve comprehensive planning, design, and construction to improve public access and enjoyment along the City-owned shores of Lake Washington. This effort includes a robust community engagement initiative to gather your valuable input on the character, vision, and design of the park.

The website dedicated to this project is: https://lfplakefrontpark.com/

City Goals set by the City Council in 2014 are:

Economic Development

The City Council will examine economic development policy, tools and options for the City in consideration for a more robust local economy with improved employment and retail options for citizens. The City will proactively use the current comprehensive plan update process and land use/finance study to gather data and test public preferences.

The City Council worked to reestablish the Economic Development Commission by reviewing and confirming the appointments of new members to make policy, program and budget recommendations related to economic development. This Commission, comprised of citizen volunteers, influences the Council's budgetary and policy decisions related to economic development.

The Comprehensive Plan process involves professional outreach for citizen input on a variety of issues including an emphasis on economic development.

Citizen Communications and Engagement

Build a solid communication program and develop two-way communication strategies with the public.

The City Council formed a Communications Committee to determine prospective improvements in communication between the City Council and the public.

Recommendations will include City website improvements, a regular Town Hall meeting process, as well as clarifications concerning public input to the Council.

Strategic Plan for the City

Examine options and develop a city strategic plan, with one, five, and ten year markers and measurable outcomes at each marker.

The current Comprehensive Plan update process and 2015-16 budget formulation will provide an important foundation for future strategic planning.

Model Good Governance

The City Council conducts itself and its meetings as a model of respect, inclusiveness and encouraging a collegial environment.

The 2014 City Council continued the work of the previous City Council on developing a Governance Manual. On June 17, 2014, the City Council ratified Resolution 1420, A Manual of City Governance Policies, Procedures and Guidelines for the Mayor-Council Form of Governance. This manual serves as a reference to the Council, the Mayor and Administration, and the public.

Transportation

Develop a comprehensive transportation policy that stresses good planning, improved access, and multi-modal forms.

The City Council is committed to local transportation improvements including but not limited to:

Transit access (improved bus zones and Park & Ride availability).
Continuity of Transit/HOV lanes in both directions on SR 522.
Bicycle improvements, including designated bicycle routes, trail connections, and locker facilities at principal transit stops.
Pedestrian access (sidewalks) and improved pedestrian crossings/safety improvements (Highway overpass & underpass), lighted crossings, and off-roadway pedestrian trails.
Vehicular access improvements, including intersection improvements and signal timing.
Street light improvements.

The City Council is working with neighboring cities, WSDOT, and local transportation agencies to create a shared vision for maintaining and improving SR 522/ SR 523/ SR 104 as multi-use corridors of regional significance. One example of this is through City Council's participation in the SeaShore Transportation Forum.

The City Council has included comprehensive transportation improvements as a principal component of its 2015 legislative priorities.