County launches "Level Up" comprehensive‑plan update, aims for broad resident engagement

Grundy County staff announced July 23 the start of an official update to the county’s 2014 comprehensive plan, branded "Level Up," and outlined outreach goals for a new 20‑year planning document. The county’s development director stated the update, which began official work June 5, will address six topic areas: agriculture and open space, land use, housing, industry and workforce, transportation and traffic, and county services and quality of life. The director said the team plans a survey soft rollout in August, 15 pop‑up events, and a target of 5,000 resident connections and survey completions. "This plan consists of 6 topics, agriculture open space, land use, housing, industry and workforce, transportation and traffic, and county services and quality of life," the director said, adding the team plans broad partnerships with schools, chambers, townships and businesses and a social media and outreach campaign. Staff requested committee help promoting the initiative to residents and said marketing would include social media, radio, stakeholder roundtables and pop‑up events. The director said the project will inform long‑term decisions about preserving community character, job creation, housing improvement and service planning. Committee members were asked to share the outreach schedule and encourage resident participation. No formal vote was required for the announcement; staff will return with outreach materials and the draft survey during the plan process.