Commissioners sign letter of concurrence to apply for 2027 periodic comprehensive plan update grant

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners approved a letter of concurrence Aug. 18 so the county can apply for a competitive 2027 periodic update grant to fund the county’s comprehensive plan review and climate element work.

Planning staff asked the board to sign a letter of concurrence and presented a proposed scope of work and budget that bundled work for the county, the City of Buck, and the Town of Dayton. Staff said the grant requires separate applications from each jurisdiction even though the jurisdictions intend to collaborate on scope and consultant selection.

Why it matters: Periodic updates are statutory requirements that ensure local comprehensive plans reflect legislative changes and new requirements; planning staff described the work as the “big” seven-year update and noted the process requires a checklist and a detailed review of code and plan elements.

Discussion and vote: A commissioner moved that the board sign the letter of support for the scope and budget; the motion carried on a voice vote. Staff said consultants will be procured through an RFQ process and that the budget may be refined once a consultant is on board.

Next steps: Planning staff will submit the application and, if awarded, will manage consultant selection and scope details. Commissioners approved the concurrence and did not attach conditions on the record.