Latest Headlines from Langley and South Whidbey

SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD: Langley council reversed an earlier downzoning decision, retaining RS7200 zoning on Edgecliff Drive after a divisive debate over housing affordability, environmental protection, and outgoing members’ final votes.

SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD: The Island County Commissioners extended a partially used grant to the Port of South Whidbey for a fairgrounds housing feasibility study but will let an older capital grant lapse amid funding gaps, management concerns, and unresolved zoning and partnership issues.

SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD: The Port of South Whidbey will raise Whidbey Island Fairgrounds commercial rents 10% on Jan. 1 to move below‑market rates toward parity; the fair association’s lease is still pending.

CITY OF LANGLEY: The City seeks a new member of the Civil Service Commission to start in January 2026.

SOUTH WHIDBEY PARKS AND RECREATION DISTRICT: First pouring of cement for the new Aquatic Center yesterday.

SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD: Langley’s council preliminarily approved downzoning Edgecliff Drive parcels to larger single-family lots to protect a vulnerable bluff, despite staff’s affordability concerns; the contentious decision awaits a final Dec. 15 vote.

SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD: Langley enacted a six-month moratorium on most new development to implement a 15% inclusionary housing program, exempting 100% affordable projects while postponing broader “missing middle” housing changes.

SOUTH WHIDBEY SCHOOL DISTRICT: Prior to every Board Meeting or Workshop, the District posts a SWSD Navigator Newsletter providing notice of School Board Meetings, what is happening in the District and updates in the schools.

WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: WhidbeyHealth’s board replaced president James Golder with Marion Jouas after a disputed closed session over “personnel and legal” issues, while publicly affirming confidence in Jouas and the hospital’s direction.

SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD: The Langley City Council split over Edgecliff Drive downzoning meant to protect a bluff and limit density, questioning its science and housing impacts, and ultimately postponed the decision.