DECATUR, Ill. — The City of Decatur is creating a new comprehensive plan for the first time since 2009.

Lacie Elzy, director of economic and community development for the City of Decatur, said it is a long-range plan and a roadmap for how the community wants to reinvest in itself and develop over the next 10 to 20 years.

"It also gives us, by giving us a policy and a roadmap to follow," Elzy said. "So, you know, in future years when we are looking at grant funds that are available, when we are looking at budgets and we're looking at projects coming down the pipeline, we can go back to this document and really be intentional with those investments."

The plan will guide decisions on issues including transportation, housing and business development.

While the city is collaborating with a team of experts, they are also relying on the community to give input about what they want to see. 

"There will be surveys. There will be in-person community workshops. There will be public forums," Elzy said. "So there will be lots of different methods and opportunities for the community to participate." 

Comprehensive plans typically last 10 to 20 years and adapt as the city changes, according to Elzy. She said the city wants the plan to be a workable document, not just something that gets put away once it's complete. 

The new plan could bring adjustments to zoning laws, allowing certain developments in spaces where they haven't been allowed before.

Elzy said the zoning ordinance hasn't been overhauled since 2002, and updating zoning is how the city implements its comprehensive plan.

The city plans to start hosting public events in the next few months. The new comprehensive plan is set to be completed in 2027.

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