What is this initiative?
Platte County is committed to planning for its future, and this initiative will develop citizens’ long-term goals and visions. This citizen-driven effort relies on a survey, focus groups, a citizen planning team, and public meetings to ensure that residents and businesses are involved in planning for the future. When the process concludes in the spring of 2008, the county will have a plan for ensuring its prosperity well into the future.

How can I get involved?
Public involvement is a cornerstone of this project. The understanding and support of stakeholders is necessary for a project to be successfully implemented. Therefore, numerous opportunities for public involvement are underway.

This website is regularly updated to provide current information. It also provides another opportunity for interested parties to provide feedback on the process.

A community survey was distributed throughout the county.  This is an important component of the process because it provides a base of resident perspective off of which preliminary policy recommendations can be made.

Finally, two public meetings are a part of the process. The goal of the first meeting, which was held in October 2007, was to find out what residents though of the preliminary goal recommendations, while the second meeting will ensure that residents can comment on the draft plan before it is adopted by the County Commission.

• Read informational flyers, publications, and press releases
• Participate in public meetings
• Encourage your neighbors and friends to get involved

How will we get to the final product?
This initiative is broken into five phases that will run from its inception on April 26, 2007 until its completion. The first two phases set up the process and analyzed existing information. The bulk of the initiative falls into the third phase, which is the visioning and strategic planning component. During this time, focus groups provided public input that was used to develop recommendations in key policy areas. These recommendations will form the basis of the final phases in which the plan will be drafted and a concluding public meeting will be held.

What groups are guiding the process?
Three groups will guide the process: the steering committee, the citizen planning team, and a set of focus groups.

Steering Committee
The steering committee monitors the progress and works with the consultant to ensure that the initiative is completed accurately and in a timely manner. The three Platte County Commissioners and members of the county staff comprise the committee.

Citizen Planning Team (CPT)
The CPT provides public input to the focus groups and the steering committee. This team consists of representatives of stakeholder groups in the community.

Focus Groups
The focus groups assisted in developing recommendations on numerous key policy areas – these recommendations formulate the long-term goals of the community. Focus group members include a diverse array of citizens who represent a variety of Platte County interests and offer specialized expertise.

Policy areas for analysis include the following:

• Growth and planning
• Economic development and tourism
• Transportation and infrastructure
• Parks and recreation
• Public safety and emergency preparedness
• Environment and sustainability
• Community partnerships and collaboration

The original plan was a success; notable achievements include the creation of a parks and recreation program and the improvement of roadways throughout the county.  The new plan will build off the achievements of the original plan.

When will this project be completed?
The county anticipates the final plan will be completed in May 2008. A detailed project schedule can be found here.