Carbon County adopts comprehensive plan and Greenways, Trails and Open Space Plan

The Carbon County Board of Commissioners voted on June 5 to adopt the county Comprehensive Plan and the Greenways, Trails and Open Space Plan after a 16-month public-engagement and drafting process led by consultant Tim Staub.

Tim Staub, the project manager for the plan development, told the board the work began in January 2024 and followed discovery, outreach, envisioning and implementation-planning phases. “This process started back in January 24. It was a 16 month process, and, hey. We’re right on schedule,” Staub said during his presentation.

Staub summarized several findings that shaped the plans: differing housing demands across geographies within the county; loss of some housing stock due to second-home purchases; rising childcare costs and strain on childcare access; and a strong outdoor-recreation asset base that supports quality-of-life and tourism. He said the comprehensive plan organizes goals under four themes — housing, outdoor economy, infrastructure and placemaking — and that both plans include implementation tables, suggested lead organizations and grant opportunities to help move priorities forward.

Staub reported the documents were advertised and posted on the county website as required by the Municipalities Planning Code and that the county planning commission had reviewed them. He said adjoining counties and local municipalities received copies for review; the project team will follow up on comments, including suggested edits related to volunteer fire companies.

The board approved two adoption motions (agenda item 25-261). The meeting record shows the motions carried with the commissioners voting yes.

The plans include implementation guidance, grant lists and a timeline of priorities; they do not themselves change budgets or require immediate county appropriations. Staub and staff indicated next steps will focus on grant-seeking and coordinating county and municipal leads for high-priority projects.