PROJECT UPDATE
We know it’s been a while since we have updated the public on where we are in the process. The consultant team created a draft and provided it to the staff for review late in the summer. The staff has reviewed the plan and provided comments back to the consultant team in mid-December. The major goal in their internal review has been to remove redundancy by ensuring that content is in the best place in the plan (not duplicated in other sections), and to ensure a consistent voice throughout. The consultant team has met with the staff and is continuing to meet with staff as edits are made to the plan.
The consultant team anticipates having the review completed by December and an updated draft by January. We anticipate resuming public outreach on the plan in late January of 2024. There will be up to 10 stakeholder groups and three public meetings—two in person and one virtual—that the consultant team will facilitate. Additionally, there will be opportunities online to make comments on the plan through the website. We will also be holding a work session with various boards and commissions, so they have input into the plan prior to starting the adoption process. We will then have an adoption hearing with the Area Plan Commission, which is a public meeting, and a public hearing with the County Council and then the County Commissioners. All in all, we anticipate this next phase of this project taking us well into the spring of 2024.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Abby Wiles at awiles@sjcindiana.com or myself at cbowen@reasite.com. We thank you for your engagement and commitment to this process up until this point. We hope that you will be there to help us get it over the finish line.
Vision Statement
This is the vision statement for the 2043 St. Joseph County Comprehensive Plan:
St. Joseph County is a thriving, diverse community with high quality hometowns and is focused on responsible growth and sustainable development that respects the area’s natural features and its rural character.
St. Joseph County’s future is one where:
- New investment supports and enhances local assets and heritage;
- The agricultural base is protected and balanced with opportunities for emerging economies;
- Competing demands for resources are mindful of environmental health and stewardship;
- Citizens of all ages and abilities are afforded opportunity to attain suitable housing, life-long learning, and recreational amenities;
- A desirable standard of living is obtainable, attracting new residents and encouraging current residents to stay and grow their families;
- There is a noticeable commitment to inclusivity and appreciation for residents and their valuable contributions; and
- There is widespread civic pride!
See where we've been and where we're going on the "Get Involved" page, here.
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