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Why are we updating the Comprehensive Plan?La Plata County is a unique and special place. We all treasure the beauty, diversity, and high quality of life that exist here. Our community has demonstrated our ability to be good stewards of where we live. However, we have some serious challenges. Our population has increased 13.3% since adoption of our last comprehensive plan in 2001. By 2030 we expect the county population to increase by another 37,258 people. Additionally, while the national economy has impacted us, there are local trends we also need to consider including declining tourism, future reductions in oil and gas revenues, and loss of agriculture. Although development does contribute to our economy, it also requires careful consideration of where it occurs, how community services are provided, and its impact on our limited resources such as water. Also of concern is that La Plata County is increasingly unaffordable for families, our roads are becoming more congested, and ranchers are facing increasing pressure to sell their lands. Unfortunately, our current planning framework, developed between 1990 and 2001, is both inefficient and inadequate to successfully address these complex issues. The good news is that we now have an opportunity to build upon recent successes and collaboratively plan for our future, before decisions are made for us. La Plata County recently adopted a new strategic plan, the County Compass, developed with assistance from community members which provides direction on how to appropriately focus our resources. More recently, community members participated in the development of the Children, Youth, and Families Master Plan. This plan articulates goals and strategies for building healthy vibrant communities and families. These two plans, along with recent transportation studies, provide a solid foundation and framework upon which to build a new comprehensive plan. The new comprehensive plan will reflect the Compass goals and articulate clear strategies for Economic Vitality, Sustainable Development, Transportation, Healthy Natural Environment, Healthy Natural Environment, Healthy Communities and Housing, and Organizational Excellence.
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What is the La Plata County Planning Hierarchy?
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