Bibb County has begun the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan and has rolled out a series of public involvement meetings to gather input from the general public.  The comprehensive plan is a 20 - Year plan that outlines the vision of a community by establishing community goals, identifying needs and opportunities, developing a community work program, and planning for future land use, transportation, housing and economic development opportunities.  The plan is an official document that will be adopted by the Macon – Bibb County Board of Commissioners as the vision and policy guide for land use decisions such as zoning and capital improvements, as well as an opportunity to assess current conditions relating to cultural preservation and protection of environmental resources.  The update, for example, could help direct investment within the community to attract new community centers and parks, commercial businesses and residential development.  Executive Director, Jim Thomas said that with changing economic conditions, it is critical to address the county’s needs and to also engage the general public throughout the planning process.  In early 2017, the Macon – Bibb Metropolitan Planning Organization is scheduled to adopt its MATS Long Range Transportation Plan update.  Demographic and other data developed as part of the transportation plan will be used as a foundation for the comprehensive plan update, officials said.

This plan has been themed “Big Picture Planning” and will be guided by a steering committee comprised of public officials, business owners, neighborhood organization representatives and governmental/institutional officials.  The eight month process will provide many opportunities for the community to get involved through public meetings, community surveys, social media, and other forms of communication.  The process will include seven public meetings and four steering committee meetings.  The goal is to reach as many residents, business owners and other stakeholders as possible, to create a consensus for Macon – Bibb’s future.

Everyone is encouraged to share your vision about Macon – Bibb’s future at one or more of the upcoming public involvement workshops:

· Thursday, January 12, 2017, 5:30PM – 7:00PM, Lundy Chapel Baptist Church, 2081 Forest Hill Road, Macon, Georgia;

· Thursday, January 19, 2017, 5:30PM – 7:00PM, Centenary UMC, 1185 Ash Street, Macon, Georgia;

· Tuesday, January 24, 2017, 11:00AM – 1:00PM, Buck Melton Community Center, 150 Sessions Drive, Macon, Georgia;

· Thursday, February 2, 2017, 5:30PM – 7:00PM, Skyview Elementary School, 5700 Fulton Mill Road, Lizella, Georgia;

· Thursday, February 9, 2017, 6:00PM – 8:00PM, St. Paul AME Church, 2501 Shurling Drive, Macon, Georgia;

· Tuesday, February 28, 2017, 5:30PM – 7:00PM, Bloomfield Community Center, 4115 Lions Place, Macon, Georgia; and

·  Thursday, March 2, 2017, 11:00AM – 7:00PM, MBPZ Office, 682 Cherry Street, Suite 1000, Macon, Georgia
 
Residents are encouraged to join the process to offer ideas, opinions and insights about the future direction of Macon – Bibb County.  A public involvement schedule has been produced to keep the general public engaged during the plan update and can be viewed at www.MaconBibbCompPlan.com.  This website will stand as a dedicated source for the up-to-date progress and information on the “Big Picture Planning” Comprehensive Plan update.  Please return often to understand how you can become more involved in the Comprehensive Plan update process.  For future information, please contact Gregory L. Brown at 478.751.7463 or [email protected].