Commissioners adopt Carbon County comprehensive plan and greenways, trails and open-space plan

Carbon County commissioners on Thursday voted unanimously to adopt two planning documents: the Carbon County Comprehensive Plan and the Greenways, Trails and Open Space Plan, concluding a 16-month public-engagement and drafting process.

The adoption signals the county’s intent to move from planning to implementation. Tim Staub, the project manager for the plan, told commissioners the two documents were developed in parallel and include vision statements, theme chapters, goals, objectives and implementation tables that list likely funding sources and lead organizations.

Staub said the process began in January 2024 and used outreach methods beyond traditional meetings — pop-up events, attendance at local gatherings and other targeted efforts — because public meeting attendance has declined. "We prepared 2 planning documents for the county, both of them, running parallel to each other," Staub said. He described the plan structure as vision → themes → goals → objectives, with guidance on funding and implementation.

The comprehensive plan organizes priorities under four themes: housing, outdoor economy, infrastructure and placemaking. Staub cited several findings the project team heard during outreach: varied housing demand across geographies in the county, the loss of housing stock because of second-home purchases, and municipal infrastructure needs that have regional impacts. He also said childcare costs have risen: "the price of childcare has gone up by 12%, and for a single parent up to 40%."

From the Greenways, Trails and Open Space Plan perspective, Staub said themes included connectedness, protection of natural assets, plentiful recreational opportunities, and celebrating local assets to invigorate the tourism economy. The plans include implementation guides, an implementation table (goals, objectives, priorities, timelines), and a list of grant and loan opportunities and suggested leads for each task.

Staub told the board the documents had been advertised and placed on the county website for public review as required by the Municipalities Planning Code, and that the county planning commission had approved sending the documents forward. He said adjoining counties and local municipalities had received copies for review. "With that said, I'm here to answer any questions on behalf of both documents, but, hopefully, looking towards the next steps in moving into implementation for the county," Staub said.

Commissioners moved two separate adoption motions for the comprehensive plan and the greenways/trails plan; both motions passed with all commissioners voting yes.

Commissioners and staff urged residents and municipal officials to review the plans online and submit comments as implementation priorities are pursued. Staub and county staff said the implementation tables are intended to guide early grant applications and designate likely lead organizations.

The adoption does not itself allocate implementation funding; future budget decisions or grant awards will be required to carry out the projects identified in the plans.