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The City of Austin and Mower County are continuing to work on developing comprehensive plans jointly and as part of that are inviting the community to be a part of it.

The project team behind the joint effort is hosting the first open house from 4-6 p.m. on Jan. 15, at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.

Community members will learn more about the two projects, be able to voice their concerns, take the second survey and provide their ideas, and speak to project members. This is a family-friendly event and all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend at any time.

Community members are also encouraged to take the second online survey. Input provided on the survey will guide the creation of policies, strategies, and goals for a range of topics, including land use, economic development, parks and open spaces, transportation, housing, regional food economy, public utilities, community facilities, and more.

Visit the project website at www.compplan2045.com to take the surveys.

If you are not able to make it to the Jan. 15 event, a virtual open house will be hosted on this same site and will include all the materials that were shared during the in-person event. The virtual open house will become available by Jan. 13.

Each plan will also include an implementation plan to outline ways to achieve the vision. The comprehensive plans will serve as a tool for all community members, including residents, government staff, elected officials, business owners, and community organizations.

A comprehensive plan is a vision of what a community wants to be and is an everyday guide to help shape future growth, protect what its residents value, and enhance what they want to improve.

The comprehensive planning process takes a look at existing challenges and sets guidelines and policies for future development. The plans will outline the future of Mower County and Austin over the next 10 to 20 years and establish goals to move toward that future.

Mower County and City of Austin selected a team composed of Short Elliot Hendrickson (SEH Inc.), Velocity Group, and other consultants to lead the planning process. All team members are familiar with working with communities across Mower County. SEH Inc completed Austin’s previous Comprehensive Plan in 2016. SEH has also worked on multiple infrastructure projects in Mower County and southwest Minnesota. Velocity Group and the other project team members are currently collaborating with the Development Corporation of Austin (DCA) on Impact Austin, a network dedicated to promoting economic development and other initiatives.

For more information about the Comprehensive Plans, provide your comments, and sign up for email updates visit www.compplan2045.com.