Background

The City of Ferndale adopted the previous Ferndale Master Plan and Parks and Recreation Master Plan in 2017, which set sustainability as a key integrated theme of the City’s common vision. This plan guided the City’s strategic efforts over the past four years in key areas such as land use, housing and neighborhoods, economic vitality, recreation and open space, transportation and mobility, and City services, facilities, and infrastructure. This planning process established an open, online two-way dialogue between the City and its residents.

In June of 2021, City Council approved a contract with the Smith Group for consulting services to assist with Ferndale’s Master Plan Update. The recommendation for Smith Group was provided by the Steering Committee after a request for proposals and a review of applications.

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Previous Plan Accomplishments

Here are some of the previous plans’ accomplishments.

Master Land Use Plan

• $800,000+ in mobility grants
• Updated Ferndale Moves Mobility Plan
• Creation of the Environmental Sustainability Planner position
• Ordinance amendments for design and mixed-use spaces
• Ordinance amendments for tree replacements and electric vehicle charging stations
• LED streetlight conversion
• Downtown Waste Management Plan and increased recycling options
• Small business support through BUILD Workshops and Open in Ferndale programming

Parks and Recreation Plan

• $800,000+ in grant funding
• Developed Master Design Plans for parks
• Walking paths, play structures, and site amenities for Martin Road Park
• Walking paths, play structures, and field renovations for Harding Park
• A skatepark, bioswales, and walking paths for Geary Park
• Renovation for Schiffer Park
• PARC Board subcommittees and community park planning
• New programming such as the Gravity Art Fair &Skate Contest, Drive-In Movies
• Increased recreation participation

Frequently Asked Questions

• When was the last Master Plan and Parks and Recreation Plan adopted? The majority of the work on the Ferndale Master Plan and Parks & Recreation Master Plan was completed in 2016 and the plan was adopted by City Council in January 2017. The plans are required to be updated in 2021-2022.

• Why are the Parks and Recreation Plan and Climate Action Plan part of the overall Master Plan process? Parks and Recreation and Climate Action have direct ties to land use, planning, zoning, and sustainability policy and help guide the City's vision and action items. The previous plan included an update on environmental sustainability throughout the plan. An update to the Parks and Recreation Plan helps the City qualify for future grant opportunities and directs future park improvements. The creation of a Climate Action Plan aligns with the City Council Strategic Plan and the Climate Mayor's Agreement.‍

• How long will the Master Plan process take? The general estimate is a 12-14 month long process from the City Council's approval of an assisting consultant to the Council's adoption of the plan.

• What is the role of the Steering Committee? A Steering Committee is compiled of City staff, board and commission representatives, and residents who will help guide the overall process. Though the committee does not have the authority to adopt the Master Plan, they can still help ensure the process is inclusive. The proposed committee includes 12-14 community members and 10-12 staff members. The committee would assist City staff by participating in a meeting to review proposals by potential consultants in the creation of the plan, provide feedback throughout the process—including plan goals, draft plans, and community engagement strategies—share updates at their respective Board or Commission meetings, and share opportunities for other community members to participate.

• How were board and commissioner representatives selected to participate in the Steering Committee? The Master Land Use Plan, Parks and Recreation Plan, and Climate Action Plan will include goals and recommendations related to planning, land use, zoning, parks and recreation, housing, and sustainability. Members from boards and commissions that direct policy for those categories, such as the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Environmental Sustainability Commission, etc. was invited to self-select volunteers for the steering committee. ‍

• How were the other Steering Committee members selected? The City received applications for two residents (ages 18-54) and one senior resident (age 55+). The randomly-selected applicants were notified during the week of May 3, 2021. Click here to view a video of the random selection process. The City also received applications for one youth resident (age 9-18), and the randomly-selected applicant was notified during the week of May 24, 2021.

• Where can I learn more about how the City and Plan Ferndale are using the terms "equity", "inclusion", and similar terms? You can review a glossary of the definitions the City is utilizing upon guidance from the Government Alliance on Race and Equity.‍