Citizens help plan city's future

The city has taken the first step in developing a long-term growth plan with the appointment of 15 community members to serve on a steering committee.

When completed, the comprehensive plan will serve as a policy foundation to proactively manage the city’s growth and development. At their meeting last week, City Council chose 15 members to serve on a citizen-based advisory group from 79 applications.

“This plan will be important to help shape our city’s future and we were fortunate to have such a diverse qualified group of people to apply,” said Mayor Bill Saffo.

“It was difficult to narrow the list down for the steering committee, but we look forward to keeping all the applicants engaged as we go through this process. The Council appreciates that so many of our citizens want to be involved and help us develop this plan,” Saffo said.

In addition to guiding growth and development for years to come, the plan will also serve as the City’s “to-do” list by establishing priorities that will be implemented over time to achieve the community’s vision. The plan will be developed over the next 18 months with extensive citizen participation and input. 

The newly appointed Steering Committee will meet in a joint work session with the City Council and Planning Commission on March 19, at which time priorities and key issues will be discussed. After that, the Steering Committee and staff will begin the 18-month plan development process which will formally kick-off in May.