Vancouver, WA – To update the local Comprehensive Growth Management Plan, the Board of County Commissioners is considering a recommendation to plan for about 562,000 residents by 2035, compared with about 430,000 today. During a work session with the Board in December, Community Planning director Oliver Orjiako requested the action as the basis for land-use planning from 2015 to 2035. The Board is expected to respond formally during a public hearing set for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, in the sixth-floor hearing room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. Orjiako said growth-plan counties must choose a population forecast from a range issued by the Washington State Office of Financial Management. The most recent 2035 projections for Clark County are between approximately 460,000 and 681,000. The most likely 2035 projection is 562,207, representing a medium-growth scenario. At present, the county is planning for about 584,000 residents by 2024. That goal was set in 2007, but population has increased relatively slowly since then. An appropriate population target is extremely important to plan for adequate numbers of jobs and homes, and to establish a cost-effective strategy for capital improvements, including roads. During the hearing, the Board also will consider plans to meet state requirements for public participation in growth planning. Orjiako plans to focus on informing the public throughout 2014 while working with the commissioners to determine the potential scope of any changes to the existing growth plan. Once the scope is clear, he said planners will increase efforts to involve citizens in policy questions the Board will need to consider. Anyone interested can watch for related news and announcements in 2014 and 2015. To request email bulletins, contact commplanning@clark.wa.gov.