Shannon Bush introduces Benton Believes Project for comprehensive plan update

The Benton County Community Advisory Committee (CAC) convened on April 10, 2025, to discuss the ongoing update of the county's comprehensive plan, a critical framework for future growth and development. The meeting, led by project manager Shannon Bush, emphasized the importance of community involvement in shaping the plan, dubbed the "Benton Believes Project."

Bush highlighted that the comprehensive plan serves as a long-range strategy to address the needs of current and future residents. It will include policies, data analysis, and maps to guide decision-makers and the public. The last comprehensive plan was adopted in 2007, and with significant changes in the county since then, the update is deemed essential.

A key focus of the meeting was the introduction of scenario planning, a modeling tool that helps communities visualize potential outcomes based on different growth scenarios. This approach aims to engage residents in discussions about trade-offs between development and conservation, ensuring that the plan reflects the community's priorities.

The CAC is currently in the first phase of the project, which involves gathering public input to define priorities for the comprehensive plan. Bush encouraged attendees to participate in a public survey available on the newly launched website, BentonBelieves.com, to ensure diverse community voices are heard.

In addition to the online survey, the committee is exploring alternative methods for engagement, particularly for residents without internet access. Plans include distributing paper surveys at local libraries and community centers.

As the meeting concluded, Bush reiterated the importance of community feedback in shaping the comprehensive plan, which will guide Benton County's growth and resource allocation for years to come. The next steps involve further public engagement and the development of a detailed work program, with the goal of drafting the updated plan by mid-2025.