Planning & Zoning Work Session 10/20/2026

The City of Seward Planning & Zoning Commission held a work session on October 20, 2026, with the Seward Chamber of Commerce to discuss tourism’s role in the local economy and the need for better data to support a year-round community. McKinley Research Group Vice President Heather Holman outlined possible approaches to a tourism economic-impact study, including visitor spending, employment and wages, municipal tax revenue, cruise-line payments, and indirect and induced impacts. She estimated a study could cost roughly $30,000–$40,000, depending on scope; including municipal costs, resident attitudes, or additional analysis could expand the work. No consultant was selected, contract or funding was approved, and no vote was taken. Participants discussed clarifying the study’s objectives and desired outcomes as a basis for developing scope and budget language, potentially for an RFP.

The discussion also touched on the city’s ongoing wayfinding-signage project, which is being developed with a consultant, and an upcoming public open house; no contract details or spending decisions were provided. Participants raised questions about seasonal and year-round tourism, visitor impacts on infrastructure and services, spending that leaves the community, and the study area’s boundaries. Staff said the comprehensive-plan draft was expected to go out for public review around the new year, with approval anticipated in spring 2027. No procurement action was taken at the meeting.