Bannock County Comprehensive Plan Update to County Commissioners August 13, 2019

Overview Provide an overview of our process Report feedback and outcomes from Phase 2, including public involvement Discuss next steps

Process

Phase 1: Integrate Build on Phase 1 (Gather/Understand) and develop vision statement, goals and draft maps

Vision Statement Bannock County will... Be an economically-diverse and economically-vibrant county providing services to encourage sustainable, sensible development while enhancing the rural and agricultural character of the county; Protect and enhance residents’ quality of life; Responsibly manage, conserve and protect and maximize benefits of its natural resources and areas for current and future residents; Operate a responsive, proactive and transparent government that works in partnership with cities, tribes and other jurisdictions within the County for mutual benefit and toward shared goals. (BOLD text indicates refinements from public outreach)

Goal Areas/Chapters 1. Growth Land Use Population Housing 2. Recreation and Open Space Recreation Special Areas or Sites 3. Sustainability Natural Resources Community and Sustainable Design Hazardous Areas 4. Economic Vitality Economic development Economic Benefits of Agriculture 5. Transportation Transportation Public Airport Facilities 6. Public Services School Facilities Public Services, Facilities and Utilities National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors The project team developed a customized Draft Comprehensive Plan document organized by goal areas/chapters to fit the needs and themes of Bannock Count. Once the plan structure was developed, content including ‘Where we are Today’ (existing conditions), ‘Desired Future’ and ‘Goals’ was developed for each goal area/chapter. These elements were then refined by the Advisory Committee and the public. The resulting Draft Comprehensive Plan Document outline

Phase 2 Public Input

Contractor/Developer Workshop In February 2019, the project team hosted a meeting with contractors, developers and builders. The purpose of the meeting was to gather input and receive direction on open space, Areas of City Impact (ACI), and the Future Land Use Map (FLUM). Open Space Developers, contractors and builders are happy to provide open space; however, simply requiring 50% open space with no specific purpose or use is not feasible. Suggestions for reducing the open space percentage and increasing the value and usability of the open space was presented as a solution.

Contractor/Developer Workshop (cont.) Area of City Impacts ACI areas too large and do not seem to accurately reflect geographic areas developable/servable within 20 years by respective cities. Encouraged annexation of developments within ACI’s rather than allowing unincorporated areas to develop within the county’s jurisdiction while water and sewer services are being provided by a city. Simplifying and clarifying the county’s role of ACI area development while realistically setting ACI boundaries will be key in achieving goals. Future Land Use Map Suggestion to be cognizant of common ownerships and parcel lines when assigning future land use designations on the FLUM.

Advisory Committee Meeting #3 On April 18, 2019, the Advisory Committee participated in an interactive workshop to provide input on the draft vision statement, goals and FLUM.

Online Public Survey The online survey was designed to collect input from the public related to the draft goals, vision and priority areas. The results of this survey are reflected in the County’s updated vision and goal statements and will be utilized again in Phase 3 to inform more detailed policies and implementation strategies. The survey was distributed to County residents through a press release, flyers, social media posts, and via an email to anyone who indicated interest in the plan from past outreach efforts. The survey was open from June 17 to July 8 and received 158 responses.

Key Themes General support of vision and goal areas. Public wants to see the goals and vision backed up with County initiatives, funding and partner support. Concern for the natural environment, including water quality, clean energy wildlife habitats and protected opens spaces. The urban/rural divide - survey respondents want the County to recognize the importance of rural/agricultural lands and take the necessary steps to preserve the rural character of the County in the face of projected growth. Desire for bike and pedestrian infrastructure to serve as recreational opportunities and critical transportation connections. Improving transportation connection, flow and services in the County - many felt that transportation planning needs to be happening now in preparation for anticipated growth.

Next Steps

Next Steps Update Draft Comprehensive Plan Document & Maps Develop policies Identify implementation strategies Develop Future Land Use Map and Parks/Trails/Recreation Map using the guiding principles developed in Phase 2 and refine with input from the Advisory Committee, County department staff and the public Develop Open Space/Natural Resources map as a tool to protect and enhance areas throughout the county Public involvement/stakeholder input in Phase 3 County department workshop or survey Hold two final Advisory Committee Meetings – the first meeting to review draft policies, implementation strategies and maps; and the final meeting to prioritize goals and fine-tune key elements of the Draft Comprehensive Plan Conduct an open house where the public can review and provide input on the Draft Comprehensive Plan elements Provide update to the Bannock County Planning and Development Council and Board of County Commissioners Continue engagement with county department staff

Process – Public Outreach