Northwest regional commission adopts 2026–2034 regional plan after public hearing

The Northwest Regional Planning Commission voted to adopt its 2026–2034 regional plan after a final public hearing and discussion, with staff confirming the motion carried with 25 yes votes and at least two recorded abstentions.

Commissioners closed the final public hearing before the regular meeting and then took up the adoption. Catherine (staff) reminded commissioners that state law requires a 60% affirmative vote for adoption and explained options for amending maps after adoption: map changes under 10 acres can be handled by a letter from the board, while larger changes would follow a formal amendment process similar to adoption. “There is always opportunity to amend the plan,” Catherine said, adding staff hopes the document remains a changing resource that reflects updated data and community input.

Public commenters and municipal representatives urged adoption so communities could begin implementing plan tools. Chip Sawyer, director of planning and development for the city of St. Albans, praised the outreach: “I don’t think any other plan has received more public input than this plan,” he said, adding that adopting the plan allows towns to move into implementation and follow-up indicator reporting.

After the adoption vote, staff said they will submit the regional plan to the LERB; the application is expected to be reviewed within 60 days, with a hearing and then a decision within seven days of that hearing. Commissioners noted the region plans to use annual implementation reports to update data and address issues such as recently surfaced concerns about map boundaries and datasets.

The commission recorded two abstentions during the adoption vote: Sylvia Johnson and Linda McCall. Staff confirmed the required threshold was met and the adoption carries. The commission adjourned after several announcements and local project updates.