Planning Commission Meeting - 8 September 2026

The City of La Center Planning Commission met on September 8, 2026 (the meeting date in the metadata is September 9 UTC). The commission discussed the city’s agreement with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe concerning development and revenue sharing on land near the junction. The discussion covered potential changes to city sales-tax revenue, property-tax effects if land is placed in trust, and periodic audits once revenue is generated. No contract award or procurement vote occurred. A jointly pursued roundabout project near Paradise is in design; the mayor estimated it could cost at least $2–5 million, with the city and tribe expected to seek grants. Construction timing remains uncertain and depends in part on funding and development. Commissioners also raised concerns about traffic control during current roadwork and requested mitigation, including additional flagging.

The commission approved the August 11 minutes and voted to recommend an amendment to La Center Municipal Code Chapter 18.235, with a change to one word in section 030. The amendment would establish procedures for alterations and vacations of final and short plats, including when public hearings are required. In an unfinished-business update, commissioners discussed proposed junction zoning rules, including whether to allow warehouses and distribution facilities, increase building-height limits, and permit uses such as cannabis businesses, card rooms, self-storage, and adult entertainment. The comprehensive-plan update hearing was scheduled for October 13. No bids, vendor selections, or spending approvals were identified.