What is the purpose of a Comprehensive Plan?
A comprehensive plan is an official policy document, used by elected officials and community leaders to create a long term (10-20 years) vision for the community and to inform land use, infrastructure and other community development decisions. The comprehensive plan will cover topics such as economic development, land use, infrastructure, natural resources/environment, quality of life and housing.
Who approves the plan?
The plan will be presented to the plan commission for their review. The plan commission needs to recommend approval of the plan to the county council. Final plan approval is by the county council.
How can we keep this from sitting on a self unused?
The most common criticism of planning documents is that they get put on a shelf when they are finished, and do not get looked at again. In our experience, plans that get used have these elements:
- There must be a clear vision for the county
- The plan needs public support
- The plan needs clear action items
- The plan needs to assign responsibility for completing the action items
- The plan needs to focus on realistic goals
