by
Rachel Hansen | Oct 22, 2024
More than 1,700 customer-owners responded to Imagine 2075, a survey that will help guide Chelan PUD’s future for the next 50 years. (audio available at 01:42 on the board recording)
The survey format paired the seven top priorities identified so far in Chelan PUD’s 50-year strategic visioning process. Participants were asked to pick the most important priority in a head-to-head match-up in 21 combinations.
The goal of the survey was to answer the big-picture question: “What MUST we get right to make Chelan PUD even better by 2075?”
Here’s how customer-owners ranked the list of priorities:
- Invest in equipment, people, and technology to make Chelan PUD’s services more resilient
- Make sure energy and water are available for future generations, even if it costs more
- Invest in clean energy resources to support future community needs
- Keep the public informed and involved by sharing details and collaborating with them
- Strengthen partnerships with governments, community organizations, and others to support a high quality of life
- Be bolder in exploring opportunities (including some with higher risks) that could benefit Chelan County in the long run
- Develop a more effective way for the PUD to make decisions for the future
The survey also included open-ended questions, which customer-owners provided about 700 comments. Some of the top concerns were: rapid community development, resource use and environmental impact and energy management and infrastructure.
The survey results represented a cross-section of customer-owners that spanned different generations, ethnicities, and towns throughout Chelan County. Chelan PUD encouraged participation via social media, print, radio and in-person at Chelan County Fair, Fiestas Mexicanas and the Wenatchee River Salmon Festival.
Over the next month, the survey results will be incorporated into the first draft of the 50-year vision document. Next year, the PUD will use the visioning document to create the next strategic plan.
“We’re taking this information now and turning it into some of the goals, strategies and actions that you will see later on,” said Justin Erickson, Chief Stakeholder and Strategy Officer.
Details about the public survey results will be posted soon at chelanpud.org/imagine2075.
In other news, commissioners:
- Reviewed the highlights of the proposed 2025 annual budget. The budget will be discussed in detail during public hearings on Nov. 4 and 18. (01:23)
