Board Of County Commissioners

Tourism Impact

Tourism Impact

Share Your View on Tourism in Chelan County

We want to hear from Chelan County residents and business owners about your experiences with tourism! Please complete our 10-minute survey in English or Spanish.  

Your input will inform a county-wide study looking at the impacts of tourism on local jobs and businesses, tax receipts and public services, the natural environment, and Chelan County communities. The results will shape strategies to enhance the positive impacts of tourism while mitigating its negative effects.  

Learn more about the Chelan County Tourism Impact Project and upcoming next steps below. Your feedback will help paint a comprehensive picture of the benefits and challenges associated with tourism and will inform tourism policies that reflect community priorities!  


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.

En español

 

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.

En español

 

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: 07/03/2025 02:21 PM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 08
    Aug 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
  • 05
    Aug 2025
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Election Day

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Election Day

    Please see Ballot Drop Locations
  • 02
    Aug 2025
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - Aug. 2, 2025

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is Aug. 2.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility
  • 29
    Jul 2025
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Registration in person at our office

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Registration Deadline in person at our office.

  • 28
    Jul 2025
    09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Registration deadline for new voters or address updates by mail, online, email or over the phone.

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Registration deadline for new voters or address updates by mail, online, email or over the phone.