Hess: 2025 in Review through the lens of Yelm’s comprehensive plan

One of the most consequential decisions made by the Yelm City Council in 2025 was the sale of the city’s approximately 640-acre property to Blue Fern Development, Northwest, LLC.

Because of the scale of this property and its long-term impact, the terms of the sale were intentionally structured to align closely with the city of Yelm’s comprehensive plan and to protect the long-term interests of our residents.

As a condition of development, the developer is required to design and construct the Southern

Loop transportation project before any additional development may occur on the property, ensuring that essential transportation infrastructure is in place ahead of growth. In addition, because the site is zoned as a master planned community, the developer must submit conceptual development plans to the city council for approval in phased segments of no less than 160 acres at a time. This phased review maintains public oversight, allows for community input and ensures that future development remains consistent with policies for land use, housing, transportation, utilities and environmental protection. Proceeds from the sale were structured to support the city’s long-term financial stability, not short-term spending — an approach directly supported by the comprehensive plan.

This decision reflects the broader purpose of the comprehensive plan, which serves as Yelm’s roadmap for responsible growth, fiscal sustainability, strong infrastructure, public safety, environmental stewardship, economic vitality and a high quality of life.

Fiscal stewardship remained a core focus throughout 2025. The council adopted a mid-biennium budget amendment to account for updated costs, staffing projections and targeted investments in essential services. We once again voted not to raise property taxes while maintaining reserve levels consistent with city policy. These actions ensure the city can continue to provide essential services such as police, water and sewer utilities, street maintenance, stormwater systems, parks and community facilities — even as Yelm continues to grow.
Infrastructure planning and modernization — another key principle of the comprehensive plan — advanced through actions such as vacating outdated utility easements that had been replaced by newer systems. While largely administrative, these steps reduce future complications, clarify development pathways, and support orderly growth.

Public safety remained a foundational priority in 2025. The council supported targeted investments in equipment and operational capacity for first responders and essential city services, including police, emergency preparedness, and public works operations - services residents rely on every day.

Quality of life — the heart of the comprehensive plan — was reflected in continued investments in parks and recreation. Expanded community programming, family-oriented events and accessible recreational opportunities strengthened neighborhood connections and reinforced Yelm’s identity as a vibrant and welcoming community.

Public participation is also a cornerstone of the comprehensive plan, and 2025 reflected that commitment. A city council vacancy was filled through a transparent public process, and residents were invited to participate in civic education efforts and early discussions related to updates to elements of the comprehensive plan itself. These steps reaffirm that Yelm’s future must be shaped with, not simply for, its residents.

While 2025 demonstrated strong alignment between council actions and our long-range vision, reflection also reminds us that plans only succeed when paired with active community participation. Residents can engage by attending city council meetings, serving on boards and commissions, participating in public hearings, volunteering and communicating directly with their elected representatives.

Just as important, we as city council members must go where our community members are — to schools, senior centers, community events, neighborhood gatherings, service clubs and local businesses. Effective local governance does not occur only from the council dais; it happens through listening, visibility and shared experiences throughout the community.

As Yelm continues to grow, 2025 stands as a year where policy, planning and action worked in concert. With continued civic engagement and a shared commitment to the comprehensive plan’s vision, Yelm is well positioned to move forward — together.

Brian Hess, Yelm city councilor