City seeks citizen input on comp plan

After months of data-gathering, advisory committee meetings, and writing and re-writing drafts, the Comprehensive Plan update process is nearing completion — but it isn’t too late for city residents to share thoughts with the comp plan team.

Between now and June 20, there are several opportunities for the public to make comments and suggestions regarding planning for the next 20 years in Sisters on: housing; transportation; economic development; parks, recreation, and open space; natural resources, natural hazards, and environment; land planning; livability; and growth management.

On June 3, a live virtual community forum was held via Zoom with City staff discussing how the Sisters Country Vision relates to the Comp Plan, and why the City is required to prepare one. The public was invited to ask questions and make suggestions. Those two forums are available for viewing on the project website www.sisters2040.com.

Also on the project website is an open house and survey available through June 20. In the comfort of their home and on their time schedule, viewers can learn more about the Comp Plan and be able to share their thoughts about policies that will shape the future of Sisters over the next 20 years. Participants in the online open house can enter a raffle for the chance to win one of 20 $10 gift cards to a local business.

Another feature on the project website is a colorful visualization of how input collected during the Sisters Country Visioning Project becomes policy in the Comp Plan.

City staff are hosting informative exhibits around Sisters for residents to visit, learn, and offer feedback: June 8 at Sisters High School, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (basketball game) and June 13 at Fir Street Park Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information contact Scott Woodford, Community Development Director, at [email protected] or call 541-323-5211. Woodford would like residents to know that, although June is the time to make thoughts known, the Comp Plan process is considered open until it is approved by the City Council in September.