local-news
ICG Advances Economic Development Framework with Focus on Housing, Infrastructure and Shared Vision
Hospital postpones levy lid lift, Port announces hanger purchase and PUD receives an energy grant.
local-news
Port Townsend Celebrates 2025 Comp Plan
The event featured a time capsule, music and putting greens at Camas Prairie Golf Park.
Intergovernmental Collaborative Group
Leaders of Governmental Agencies Re-start Process to Build Economic Vitality
Building relationships and trust seen as vital to crafting an economic framework as the county’s economic viability hangs in the balance.
Local News
Finding and Counting the Homeless Among Us
News by Scott France The annual nationwide point-in-time count (PIT) of people experiencing homelessness will be conducted on January 29th. This year's survey takes on heightened importance and poignancy amidst a backdrop of widespread cancellation of federal data collection programs and reports and the removal of
Local News
Inclusionary Zoning in Port Townsend: A Contentious Path to Affordable Housing
News by Rachael Nutting Port Townsend is in the process of course correction regarding density and what that means for affordable housing. As longtime residents are priced out and the local workforce struggles to find affordable homes, city leaders and community members are searching for effective solutions. Inclusionary zoning (IZ)
Local News
Rufina Garay Brings Joy (and food) to Role as Port Townsend's New Poet Laureate
News by Angela Downs Rufina Garay was inaugurated as the 2026 Poet Laureate on January 5. She is Port Townsend's second Poet Laureate and will serve in the civic position for two years. She considers herself “a homegrown poet,” studying locally at Imprint Bookstore workshops with teaching writers
Local News
The Police Department is the City's Biggest Budget Item: What Are They Using the Money For?
[caption id align="alignnone" width="1276"] Photo from the Port Townsend Police Department Strategic Plan [/caption] News by Scott France Port Townsend's high level of community engagement and civic discourse seems to give disproportionately little attention to the department that garners more funding than
Local News
Port Townsend City Council Approves Comprehensive Plan, Aims to Tackle Housing Crisis With New Regulations
City Council voted to accept alternative two to allow houses that currently do not have a livable third floor to utilize their attic space for residential use. Photo from city council packet [https://www.jeffcobeacon.com/caption] News by Angela Downs On December 15, 2025, the Port Townsend City Council
opinion
Op-ed: More Than Just a Comp Plan—A Timeline In Depth
A gingerbread example of what opponents of the city’s comp plan fear development would look like. City staff took time at the Dec 15 meeting to show how this model is unrealistic. Photo by Rachel Nutting [https://www.jeffcobeacon.com/caption] Opinion by Rachael Nutting I miss when social
Local News
Port Townsend Residents Voice Concerns Over Housing Density Changes at City Council Comp Plan Meeting
News by Angela Downs City chambers were packed on November 24, with people standing along the walls, mostly in the 50+ age bracket, many of whom, according to their public comments, moved to Port Townsend after retirement. In the 30 minutes allotted for people to voice their opinions on the
Local News
The Beacon 2025 Voting Guide
[caption id align="alignnone" width="1786"] Photo by Manny Becerra, unsplash [/caption] By Beacon Staff We are, at the time of publishing, 27 days into the federal government shutdown. We’re mere days away from SNAP running out of money, and there are no guarantees that
Local News
City of Port Townsend Works Towards a Strategic Budget for a Resilient Future
[caption id align="alignnone" width="3024"] Photo by Nhatt Nichols [/caption] News commentary by Angela Downs The City budget is built out of codes that enable and finance the balance between maintaining the character of Port Townsend with its historic buildings, dynamic arts and culture, immense