Local citizens and organizations with a stake in the future of Warrenton, assisted by experts from the University of Washington and Oregon State University, began work on the Warrenton Waterfront Revitalization Plan in 1992. The planning process consisted of local meetings, two public workshops and other public events, such as an open house held in conjunction with a community fish fry. The plan, completed in 1994, focuses on local values and aspirations, allows diversification of the local economy toward tourism-related industries, and ultimately finds a compatibility between those activities and community needs. In addition, the planning exercise gave the town needed information for influencing its future. Warrenton residents participated in planning the future of their waterfront.
Difficult decisions are part of the ongoing planning process.