In a recent government meeting, city officials presented the final draft of the \"Imagine Morganton 2040\" comprehensive plan, marking a significant milestone in the city's development strategy. The plan, which has been in the works for nearly two years, aims to guide Morganton's growth and development over the next 15 years, emphasizing community engagement and sound planning principles.

Wendy Smith, the city planner, highlighted the extensive community involvement that shaped the plan, noting that thousands of comments were collected from residents, including input from a diverse advisory committee and high school students. This collaborative effort was praised for ensuring that the plan reflects the community's vision and needs.

Jonathan Whitehurst, a consultant from Kimberly Horn, elaborated on the plan's structure, which includes a future land use map and a series of actionable strategies designed to prevent the document from becoming merely a theoretical exercise. The plan outlines 63 specific actions organized around eight planning principles, ensuring a clear pathway for implementation.

City officials expressed gratitude to the City Council, planning and zoning commission, and community members for their active participation throughout the planning process. The meeting concluded with a call for the adoption of the plan, which is seen as a crucial step toward realizing Morganton's future aspirations. The city is now poised to begin implementing the plan, starting with a review of its zoning ordinances, as outlined in the initial action steps.