Board Of County Commissioners

Tourism Impact

Chelan County Tourism Impact Project Overview

Chelan County has commissioned a  comprehensive study of the impacts of tourism. Chelan County draws visitors from the nearby region and tourists from every corner of Washington state and beyond. While it’s easy to appreciate the positive aspects of Chelan County’s tourism economy, or to criticize the negative impacts it creates, the full impacts of tourism are complex.

The study will assess the economic, fiscal, sociocultural, environmental, and community impacts of tourism on Chelan County, as summarized below. The results of the study will inform strategies and sustainable development initiatives that enhance the positive impacts of tourism while mitigating negative impacts.

 

Steering Committee Members

The following individuals serve on the Steering Committee guiding the study.

Jerri Barkley, Visit Chelan County Ron Cridlebaugh, Chelan County Steve Maher, Our Valley Our Future
Taylor Boyd, Bavarian Lodge Carl Florea, City of Leavenworth Paula Mikkelsen, Chelan County
Eric Campbell, Campbell's Resort Erin McCardle, City of Chelan Ashley Sinner, Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce

 

Project Schedule

The schematic below summarizes the overall project schedule, with additional detail to be added as the effort progresses.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

No. This is an objective, data-driven study of the comprehensive impacts of tourism. The County has hired an independent firm to conduct a rigorous third-party analysis and provide a report of the benefits and challenges tourism brings to Chelan County residents and businesses. 

Chelan County is commissioning the study and engaged BERK Consulting to conduct research and provide analysis and recommendations. The County’s project manager is Ron Cridlebaugh, Economic Services director. BERK’s project manager is Brian Murphy. The study is being guided by a Steering Committee listed on this webpage.

Community input is an important part of the project. A full engagement plan detailing opportunities for individuals and groups to provide their input is being developed. The project will have phases of information gathering, including experiences and observations about the impacts of tourism in Chelan County and perspectives and feedback on initial project findings. These opportunities will be promoted via the project website, email, media releases and other avenues. Ongoing project updates will be provided on the project website.

Phase I: Gather the Information Phase II: Explore the Results
  • Learn about the effort via project website, press coverage, social media.
  • Comment on summary of findings.
  • Participate in surveys, discussion groups, and topic-specific meetings.
  • Comment on draft recommendations.

The study is anticipated to run through 2025. A detailed timeline and engagement plan is being developed as a first step in the project.

Posted: 01/20/2025 09:31 AM
Last Updated: 01/20/2025 10:14 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 21
    Feb 2025
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 21
    Feb 2025
    01:30 PM - 02:00 PM

    Public Meeting: Certify Election

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 19
    Feb 2025
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 14
    Feb 2025
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 11
    Feb 2025
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Election Day

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Election Day

    Please see Ballot Drop Locations