Citizens can weigh in on Sisters’ future

Over the course of the next year, the City of Sisters will seek input from community members on what they want Sisters to be like in 2040.

The City is launching an update of the Sisters Comprehensive Plan, a document that will guide how Sisters grows over the next 20 years. Based on community input and studies on housing needs and economic opportunities, the update will result in a set of goals, policies, and implementation measures that will guide decisions about future growth and development in Sisters.

Citizens will be asked to weigh in on what they value and want to retain, and what they want to change to improve the community. Multiple opportunities for input will be available to Sisters residents, as well as to community members who don’t live in Sisters proper, but shop, recreate, and generally identify with Sisters.

“Building on the Sisters Country Vision Plan adopted several years ago, we are excited to go back to the community and ask folks for their thoughts on the future of Sisters, so that we can translate that into actual policy and action,” said Mayor Chuck Ryan. “This is the community’s plan, so it is vital that the people who know Sisters best drive that plan.”

A Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is being formed to help advise and guide staff, the Stakeholder Committee, and, ultimately, the Planning Commission and the City Council on the direction of the final document.

The CAC will consist of up to 14 members representing a crosssection of the community, including up to three Sisters Country residents, and will meet up to seven times over the course of the next six to eight months for approximately two hours each time.

Precautions due to COVID-19 will be employed to ensure the community’s safety during this process, which will likely involve online meetings.

Those interested in being on the CAC should complete an Advisory Board Application at www.sisters2040.com/get-involved, and return it by 5 p.m.

October 28, either in the utility drop box at City Hall or by email to either of the staff listed below.

The City Council will appoint members at their November 18 meeting.

For information, contact Scott Woodford, community development director, at 541-323-5211 or [email protected]; or Nicole Mardell, principal planner, at 541-323-5208 or [email protected]

To learn more about the Comprehensive Plan and how to participate visit www.sisters2040.com. The website provides information to keep citizens in the loop as the plan progresses and will be updated throughout the process.