Donna Larson of MLK Planning presented the selectboard with recommendations to move the town’s comprehensive plan from ideas to implementation, focusing on housing preservation, updated ordinances, and clearer administrative oversight.

Larson said committees should be directed to update chapter 38 — covering housing, historic resources, the economy and natural resources — and return specific recommendations on a timeline so the plan does not languish. She suggested broader public engagement and liaisons to attract diverse perspectives to the process.

On affordable housing, Larson presented two options: create a municipal housing authority capable of accepting federal funding or set up a dedicated nonprofit to accept grants and private donations. She said a nonprofit model might be better for Rangely if philanthropic support is available. Larson also recommended establishing a site-plan review process with standards and applicability rules to handle current development pressures while protecting natural resources.

On impact fees, Larson advised the board that the town’s ordinance needs an explicit formula tying fees to capital improvements (not operating costs) and must justify the charge and spending timeline. Board discussion agreed the ordinance is on the books but needs updating and administrative enforcement.

The consultant recommended creating a modest land‑purchase reserve for conservation or future public use and encouraged reactivating an economic opportunity committee as an advisory liaison when discrete projects arise. Staff and board members discussed forming a committee and setting a timeframe for ordinance alignment with the new plan.

Next steps: Board to continue committee formation, ask committees for prioritized recommendations, and schedule follow-up work to align zoning and ordinances with the comprehensive plan.