WINCHESTER – Randolph County has a new comprehensive plan focused on people, the result of nearly a year of work by a volunteer steering committee and a planning firm.
Wednesday was the public reveal for the plan, which cost about $100,000 to craft. The bulk of that cost went to soliciting public outreach and engagement efforts. Randolph County's previous comprehensive plan was adopted in 1999.
"This comprehensive plan is intended to be a guidance document," said Brooke Thomas, senior planner for American Structurepoint Inc., Indianapolis
The plan lays out in broad terms strategies and goals for land use development, workforce and quality of place. It answers the question, "What do we need to change locally to better serve the population here?"
This type of plan also can help municipalities and other governments land competitive grants for other projects. Often a determining factor in seeking a grant is whether a plan or guide to development exists.
Three themes emerged over the process of surveying people online and in person:
- Randolph County has an aging population.
- Economic and workforce development are important.,
- "Rural renewal" is critical for the county's success.
Copyright ©2024 The Star Press