Jessica Mackey, Richland County Council chair, opened the 2026 Strategic Planning Forum and introduced the county's new 20-year comprehensive plan, "Reimagine Richland," urging council and staff to be "future focused" as they finalize the plan this year. "Our comprehensive plan is entitled Reimagine Richland," Mackey said, calling the effort a chance to "think about how we can reimagine Richland."

County Administrator Leonardo Brown delivered the State of the County, saying the county remained strong despite economic pressures and laying out three guiding principles: fiscal responsibility, service excellence and long-term sustainability. Brown highlighted awards for financial reporting and budgeting, saying Richland County earned two Government Finance Officers Association recognitions in 2025, and credited staff with improved transparency and data-driven reporting.

Brown summarized investments and priorities across government services: expanded recruitment and technology for public safety; targeted infrastructure work on roads, bridges, stormwater and wastewater; economic development wins such as the Scout Motors supplier-park expansion; housing partnerships and rental-assistance programs; and public-health collaborations aimed at mental-health crises and homelessness prevention. "The state of our county remains strong," Brown said, attributing resilience to residents and public servants.

Why it matters: The comprehensive plan will set priorities for the next two decades, affecting capital projects, land use and service delivery. Brown and Mackey framed the plan as an opportunity to tie near-term budget choices and project sequencing to longer-term outcomes for safety, mobility, housing and economic growth.

What's next: Council and staff will use the forum's discussions to refine strategic priorities as they complete the comprehensive plan in 2026; parts of the forum then moved into detailed fiscal and transportation program briefings later in the session.