County staff seek $48,000 contract with PTRC to update 2014 comprehensive plan and add land‑use section

Caswell County staff presented a proposal on Aug. 4 to update the county’s 2014 comprehensive plan and to incorporate a new land‑use plan, using planning services from the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) for a not‑to‑exceed cost of $48,000.

The project would include data collection and analysis, public engagement (up to three public meetings), and up to six steering‑committee meetings. The county manager said PTRC’s proposal was used as the basis for the $48,000 item already budgeted in the current fiscal year.

Why it matters: A current comprehensive plan provides a blueprint for long‑term planning and economic development. The manager and planning staff said an updated plan is useful for economic development outreach, as a guide for future regulatory changes and as a document prospective businesses review when considering investment.

Details and timeline: Planning staff said the update would produce a single deliverable titled the 2026 Caswell Comprehensive Plan, including maps and a land‑use component. Staff plans to return to the board on Aug. 18 with a draft contract and a proposed slate of steering‑committee members.

Legal and statutory notes: County staff noted that while comprehensive plans are required in certain circumstances for jurisdictions that apply zoning, the update is considered best practice; state guidance suggests updating plans every seven to ten years. The county’s planning director said starting this fall should allow the county to complete the plan by next year.

Next steps: The manager said he would have a draft contract for county review by the end of the week and would bring a contract and steering‑committee nominations to the Aug. 18 meeting for board action.

Ending: Commissioners asked for a proposed steering committee and confirmed staff will return with contract language for formal approval.