Franklin Plan Commission certifies 2026 comprehensive plan update, forwards it to City Council

The Franklin Plan Commission on June 16 certified the public hearing and voted to forward a favorable recommendation for the 2026 comprehensive plan draft (06/01/2026) to the City Council for consideration at its July 6 meeting.

Rachel Christiansen, a planner with HWC Engineering, told the commission the document is intended as "a long range planning guide for development for the future of Franklin," explaining the plan compiles data analysis, public engagement and implementable action steps. Alec Poorman of HWC outlined outreach used in the update — public workshops, focus groups, an interactive online map, an April open house and pop-up events — and said major themes that emerged were growth management, housing affordability, parks and recreation, historic preservation, transportation and environmental resilience.

City attorney Lynn Gray urged clarity about the plan's legal effect: "The comprehensive plan is not the zoning ordinance," she said, adding that existing uses, including farmland, do not change under the plan and that zoning only changes if an owner seeks rezoning or development. Gray said the city has not pursued "adverse annexation" and described the comp plan as the tool the city uses to be prepared if property owners choose to sell.

Mayor (name not stated) praised the plan and urged a proactive approach to growth near interstate interchanges. In remarks to the commission he cited recent prospecting and private investments, saying, "A company like that is here, $200,000,000 investment, give the city $5,000,000 and and gonna employ 200 people," while also stressing the need to preserve downtown character.

Commissioners and staff discussed transportation coordination: HWC and staff said Franklin has an active 2017 thoroughfare plan and a separate bicycle and pedestrian master plan; those documents are considered amendments to the comp plan and will be updated and folded in as required. The consultants said the future land use map in the plan is advisory and does not automatically rezone property.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to make a favorable recommendation to the City Council for the 2026 comprehensive plan draft (06/01/2026); the motion was seconded and approved by roll-call vote. The commission certified that the required public hearings were held and routed a resolution for signatures. The commission's recommendation will be presented to the City Council at its July 6 meeting for final consideration.

Motion and vote details: Motion made to forward a favorable recommendation for the 2026 comprehensive plan draft (06/01/2026); motion seconded. Roll-call recorded affirmative votes from Regina Helfel, Phil Hurston, Michael Palmer, Suzanne Finley, John Kinski, Michelle Stringer and Matt McElroy; one member was absent. The commission certified the recommendation and transmitted it to the City Council.

Background: Consultants said the updated plan refines the future land use map and provides policy guidance on land use, transportation and utilities, and includes an implementation plan intended to guide staff and elected officials as development opportunities arise.