Peoria County launches public engagement for comprehensive land use plan; survey, interactive map and "meeting in a box" planned

Peoria County planning staff updated the Land Use Committee on the countywide comprehensive land use plan and urged public participation in the early engagement phase.

Andrew said the plan kicked off at a bicentennial event where staff staffed a public-engagement booth. He said a 15-member planning commission was appointed by the Peoria County Board; the commission includes several county board members and representatives from sectors including education, agriculture and labor.

Andrew described two primary ways for residents and groups to provide input. First, an online survey will ask respondents what they like and dislike about the county, offer an interactive map for users to mark highlights and lowlights within Peoria County, and ask users what they hope to gain from the plan. Second, specialist groups can request a "meeting in a box," in which planning staff or the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission would bring an interactive participation session to groups of roughly 10 to 20 people.

Andrew said the county has also begun outreach via media appearances (he referenced participation in a local podcast and community interviews) and that staff will take the input, identify themes and clusters on the interactive map, prepare a draft plan and then conduct a second round of public engagement through a traveling roadshow across the county.

Committee members expressed appreciation for the work and the evening meeting schedule; Sharon and Paul were both noted as involved participants. During public comment, a member (Edward) asked for an emailed copy of the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission minutes to review a Chillicothe-specific item; Andrew agreed to provide the minutes by email.

The presentation emphasized that the intent of the plan is "to help shape land use for the next 15 to 20 years" and that staff seek broad public input before drafting and circulating a preliminary plan for further review and engagement.