City of Centralia Strategic Plan
The role of the City of Centralia is to create an environment conducive to achieving community goals. This Strategic Plan was developed because our community faces many short- and long-term challenges and opportunities. We face real constraints and cannot “do it all.” We must prioritize what matters most to advance the community’s long-term desires for the future.
We will use the Strategic Plan to focus City efforts – beyond the day-to-day running of the City – on what matters most to achieve the community’s desired future. The Plan will help us continue to prioritize scarce resources. The Implementation Framework described on page 5 will guide that ongoing conversation among policy makers, staff, and members of the community.
View the Strategic Plan (PDF)
Cities 101
Do you know our city works? Learn more about the value of our city systems through the following videos created by Association of Washington Cities.
SEWERS 101 - Learn how our modern sewer systems work, how they are paid for, and why cities and you should be making a big stink about it.
POPULATION GROWTH 101 - Washington’s population is booming, and much of that growth is happening in cities. Watch this video to learn how many people are expected to move to Washington, and what it means for cities as they budget, plan, and prepare for the growth.
BUDGET AND REVENUES 101 - Watch the video to learn about where city revenues come from, the important city services they support, and that vibrant cities need reliable and stable revenue to fund the many things we love about our cities.
STREETS AND THE CITY TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 101 - Nearly every trip in Washington begins or ends on a city street. Watch the video to learn about city streets and the many important features of the transportation system. As cities grapple to fund priorities, it's critical these important assets are well designed, constructed and maintained for today, and into the future.
PROPERTY TAX 101 - Property tax is the largest revenue source for cities in Washington State. More specifically, it comprises nearly 25% of all city revenue, but on average, cities only receive 13 cents of each property tax dollar paid. This revenue supports critical city services, including police officers, firefighters, streets, sidewalks, and parks.
The Blockhouse is a symbol of Centralia's rich history and is a landmark to the community. Learn more about the rich history of the Blockhouse and preserving it for future generations.
Expect Your Flood Insurance Rates To Increase
The U.S. Congress passed the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 in July 2012, which calls on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other agencies, to make a number of changes to the way the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is run. The legislation will require the NFIP to raise rates to reflect true flood risk, make the program more financially stable, and change how Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) updates impact policyholders. The changes will mean premium rate increases for some—but not all—policyholders over time.
Changes Coming to the National Flood Insurance Program-What to Expect (Presentation) --> Click here.
FEMA Flood Insurance Consumer Handout
National Flood Insurance Program & FloodSmart -- find out about flood insurance
FEMA Handout Changing Risks: Changing Rates --> Click here.
Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (FEMA Website) -->Click here.
Impact of NFIP Changes Handout --> Click here.
BE FLOOD READY
Are you getting ready for the upcoming flood season?
Visit the City's Flood Information webpage for additional information.
Here are a few tips to prepare ahead:
