Richmond Planning Commission launches Town Plan outreach, forms steering committee

The Town of Richmond Planning Commission on March 19 began formal outreach for an updated Town Plan and moved to form a public steering committee to manage outreach and synthesize input for a draft by summer and a final plan by year end.

The commission’s discussion centered on reaching target audiences including young families, low‑income residents, environmental justice communities and farmers. Brighton, who presented the outreach ideas, said the commission will use in‑person events such as a farmers market table and a May charrette with maps and whiteboards to solicit actionable feedback. He noted the regional planning commission will provide technical support and that housing targets distributed the same day will inform local planning.

The commission agreed the steering committee will collect written responses to section‑specific letters being sent to owners of parts of the 2018 plan (for example, the Housing section to the housing committee and education sections to school and library representatives). That committee will catalogue responses, check for duplication across sections and prepare materials for Planning Commission review. Commissioners expects the steering committee to meet monthly, hold evening meetings for public participation and convene an initial in‑person meeting to organize the work.

Virginia, who was reelected chair during the meeting, said commissioners and staff would participate on the steering committee and confirmed select board representation: “we have a select board member, Adam Wood, who has volunteered,” she said. Several commissioners — including Brighton, Ian Bender and the chair — signaled they would serve. Commissioners also noted two public applicants had expressed interest and that final appointments would be made by the end of March.

Brighton flagged a potential nonpublic funding source: he said Rebecca indicated her nonprofit (More Perfect Union) could provide civic‑engagement funding for logistics such as banners, tents and food. Commissioners noted those would be private funds and agreed to follow up directly with Rebecca to clarify details before committing public resources.

Commissioners prioritized several substantive topics for the plan and the steering committee to address: housing targets, emergency resilience and flood mitigation, and balancing farmland/forest protection with appropriate housing growth. They discussed early deadlines and milestones: a charrette in May, a rough draft in early summer, a fuller draft in fall and a final plan by year end. The regional planning commission’s online portal and mapping tools will be used to gather and submit comments where appropriate.

The Planning Commission asked staff to circulate the steering committee scope and timeline within a week so appointments and the first meeting could be scheduled ahead of the commission’s April 2 meeting.

The commission adjourned after confirming next steps and the schedule for steering‑committee formation.