A couple of vocal protesters and a sudden downpour couldn’t put a damper on Gov. Jay Inslee’s remarks outside the Clark County Public Service Center on Thursday as he presented three county projects with 2024 Governor’s Smart Communities Awards.
Smart Communities Awards have been bestowed annually since 2006 in recognition of government agencies and community partners for exceptional land-use planning and development.
“We recognize the power of local leadership,” Inslee said, “and we recognize the power of communities.”
Though the ceremony got off to a late start, Inslee presented certificates and crystal statuettes to Oliver Orjiako, the county’s community planning director, for the Housing Options Study and Action Plan; Franklin Johnson, chair of the Clark County Commission on Aging, for the Clark County Aging Readiness Plan; and Port of Camas-Washougal Commissioner Cassi Marshall and Clark Public Utilities CEO Lena Wittler for the Community Solar East project.
In prepared remarks, the recipients each thanked the colleagues and volunteers who labored for months — and sometimes years — to develop their initiatives. They also expressed gratitude to Inslee for acknowledging behind-the-scenes efforts that are often overlooked.
“The fact that you’re here reflects your commitment to livable communities,” Johnson said.
Housing, aging, solar
Clark County adopted the Housing Options Study and Action Plan in 2022 to identify housing challenges and opportunities for development in response to a housing crunch. The plan is part of the county’s push to provide more “middle housing,” including accessory dwelling units, duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, town houses and cottage clusters (smaller homes clustered on a single plot of land).
In April, the county adopted rules that make it easier to build accessory dwelling units, expanded the maximum amount of land that can be covered by buildings on lots in some zones and eliminated maximum lot-coverage standards for cottage housing developments.
Now, it is working on the second phase of the plan, which will focus on multifamily housing and affordable housing for low-income residents.
The Clark County Aging Readiness Plan was recognized for its 10-year update. The county first developed the plan in 2012 to support the growing number of older residents. Its recommendations focus on addressing missing or lacking public infrastructure, support for social services, and zoning and planning standards that allow older adults to thrive.
In September 2023, the county added an emergency preparedness chapter to the plan, which includes strategies to reduce the transmission of airborne diseases.
The Community Solar East project, which launched in 2022, allows for utility customers to invest in the collection of solar panels in exchange for an annual credit toward their electric bill — a concept known as “virtual net metering.”
Community Solar East comprises solar energy systems distributed across five Port of Camas-Washougal buildings, enough to generate roughly 799 kilowatts of electricity. Of the kilowatts produced, 199 go directly to the utility’s Operation Warm Heart fund supporting customers on limited incomes.
‘Keep this ball rolling’
Inslee and others who took the stage were unfazed by protesters’ continual shouting and sign-waving. Like someone used to heckling, Inslee acknowledged the presence of detractors but never let the proceedings veer off track.
“We do have citizens here expressing themselves,” Inslee said. “I appreciate the First Amendment.”
As the rain eased up and the presentation wound down, Inslee praised Clark County’s proactive local government and vigorous community involvement. He noted there were only 12 Smart Communities Awards given in the entire state, and Clark County earned a quarter of them. The county has been particularly innovative, he said, in its problem-solving and long-term planning.
“Let’s keep this ball rolling,” Inslee said.
