Summary
Prepare a new countywide Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The Plan should provide a practical, easy-to-use guide for future land use, growth, development, infrastructure planning, preservation of agricultural and natural resources, housing, economic development, and implementation priorities. The consultant should propose a simple and effective planning process. At a minimum, the work should include the following tasks: Project Kickoff and Management: Meet with County staff and the project steering committee to confirm the schedule, public engagement plan, roles, deliverables, and communication expectations. The consultant should provide regular progress updates throughout the project. Review of Existing Information: Review existing plans, maps, zoning information, land use data, infrastructure information, population and housing data, economic development information, transportation information, farmland and natural resource data, and other relevant studies. Existing Conditions and Trends: Prepare a concise summary of current conditions and trends affecting Hancock County. This should include population, housing, employment, land use, development patterns, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, natural resources, and community facilities. Public and Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and carry out a public engagement process that is realistic for a countywide plan. This may include steering committee meetings, township and village outreach, stakeholder interviews, public open houses, online surveys, and coordination with local organizations.