Creating Ephrata’s ‘vision board’ for next 2 decades

EPHRATA — The city of Ephrata is asking residents to help shape the community’s next two decades as it launches a major update to its 20‑year comprehensive plan, a state‑mandated blueprint that guides housing, transportation, parks, utilities and long‑term growth.

“It’s the ‘what do you want to be when you grow up’ vision board for the community,” City Administrator Ray Towry said. “It’s a document that helps the local government stay focused on meeting goals.”

City officials are encouraging residents to participate through an online survey and an in‑person open house scheduled for April 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Ephrata Recreation Center.

Community Development Director Ron Sell said the plan is the city’s primary tool for setting priorities and determining how resources are allocated.

“The comprehensive plan is the city’s guide for future development,” Sell said. “Now is the time to provide any and all thoughts and recommendations to help guide us in developing what type of city we want to live in for the next twenty years.”

The plan is updated periodically to comply with the state’s Growth Management Act and to reflect community needs. This cycle includes new state‑required components such as climate resiliency planning and updated standards for accessory dwelling units.

Towry said community participation directly influences what the city can pursue.

“If a member or group in the community wants to see something changed, this is their lever to make that happen,” he said. “If it’s not in the comprehensive plan, we are probably not going to be allocating resources to it.”

Both Towry and Sell said the plan only works if residents help shape it.

“You can’t be a government of the people, by the people, for the people, if the people aren’t involved,” Towry said. “We want people to give us their feedback.”

At the April 16 open house, residents will be able to speak with city staff and planning consultants, review early concepts, explore challenges facing the city and participate in activities designed to gather feedback.

For those unable to attend, the city is circulating a digital survey to collect input on priorities such as housing, transportation, parks, infrastructure and growth management.

Sell said the more voices the city hears, the stronger the final plan will be.

“The more ideas that we get, the better we can make it,” Sell said.

Public Open House

April 16

5-7 p.m.

City of Ephrata Recreation Center

112 Basin St. SW

Online survey

Bit.ly/EphrataCompPlanUPDSurvey