The Summit County Council convened on October 11, 2023, to discuss the progress of a community-led planning project aimed at shaping the future of Summit County. The meeting featured a presentation by Sophie, who highlighted the project's development over the past ten months and expressed gratitude to community members for their engagement.

Sophie outlined the project’s four distinct phases. The first phase focused on establishing shared values among residents, visitors, and employees in Summit County. This involved gathering input on what community members cherish about living in the area and their visions for the future. The second phase delved into specifics regarding growth, prompting residents to consider where and how development should occur while respecting the identified values.

In the third phase, the project sought more localized ideas from residents on shaping the county's future, balancing anticipated growth with community values. Currently, the project is in its final phase, which aims to close the feedback loop and identify strategic priorities for the county's future.

Sophie emphasized the importance of community engagement throughout the process, noting that there was never a day without opportunities for public input. Various outreach techniques were employed, including online questionnaires, in-person open houses, and participation in community events. The level of engagement reported was described as unprecedented for a county-level project, with efforts made to ensure that multiple members of households could participate without barriers.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the ongoing collection of feedback, as the project continues to gather responses through live questionnaires and upcoming open houses. The council looks forward to finalizing the strategic plan that reflects the community's vision for Summit County.