The City of Huntington Council convened on December 9, 2024, to discuss significant updates to the city's comprehensive plan, known as Plan 2035. This meeting marked a pivotal moment in the city's planning efforts, as the council considered an ordinance to adopt the updated plan, which aims to guide Huntington's development over the next decade.

Planning Director Brianna Shell presented the final draft of Plan 2035, which has been in development for the past two years in collaboration with the Planning Commission and consulting groups, including Downstream Strategies and the West Virginia University Land Use and Sustainable Development Clinic. Shell highlighted that this update builds upon the previous comprehensive plan, Plan 2025, which was completed in December 2013. The new plan reflects lessons learned from the past decade, emphasizing the unique characteristics of Huntington's neighborhoods while identifying common strengths and areas for improvement.

The planning process involved extensive community engagement, with five unique opportunities for public input, including online surveys, neighborhood conversations, and an open house. Approximately 1,800 responses were collected, demonstrating strong community interest in the planning process. The updated plan includes a community profile with demographic data, values, principles, priorities, and a future land use map, along with an implementation charter that outlines actionable steps and metrics for tracking progress.

The Planning and Zoning Committee reviewed the plan and forwarded a favorable recommendation to the council. Following Shell's presentation, the council opened the floor for public comments, inviting community members to share their thoughts on the proposed updates.

As the council deliberates on the adoption of Plan 2035, the meeting underscores the city's commitment to strategic planning and community involvement, setting the stage for future development initiatives in Huntington. The council's decision will be crucial in shaping the city's growth and addressing the needs of its residents over the coming years.