Leland Consulting Group prepared a market-based land use strategy for downtown Sequim, Washington, a town of approximately 7,500 people located along Highway 101 on the Olympic Peninsula. Through a project led by LMN Architects, the land use approach was geared toward reinforcing the pedestrian-friendliness of the downtown, where the main street formerly served as the highway but has now been bypassed with a new highway.
By reflecting the community’s strengths as a tourist and retirement destination, the plan identifies strategies and actions that can help the community attract and retain younger workforce residents to balance its economy. These strategies include strengthening pedestrian and bicycle amenities and encouraging downtown housing that will attract both Baby Boomers and younger populations just entering the housing market.
The Sequim Downtown Plan was granted the Governor’s Smart Growth Award and also an Honorable Mention by the Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association. Since 2006, the award has recognized outstanding success of local leaders and partners promoting smart growth planning for vibrant communities by achieving goals of the Growth Management Act and community objectives.