Manti planner seeks clustered-growth scenarios, bilingual outreach for 2026 General Plan update

City Planner McKay Muhlestein told the Manti City Planning Commission on June 9 that staff will prepare two to three future land use scenarios emphasizing clustered growth, infill housing and preservation of farmland and open views.

The scenarios will follow an "existing conditions" report the planner said is nearing completion; that report will summarize Manti's demographics, geology, economy, housing, parks, trails and utilities. "The goal is to tell the 'story of Manti' — where the city has been, where it is now, and where it may be headed," Muhlestein said.

Why it matters: The future land use map is advisory, not regulatory, but it can guide future zoning and development priorities. Commission members stressed that the city faces physical constraints — including sewer lagoon capacity, sewer service limits, wildfire-risk areas, steep slopes and parcels that may require septic systems — and said clustering development may allow new housing and services while protecting farmland and important views.

Commissioner Ben Bramwell, who moved to approve the minutes from the May 12 meeting at the start of the session, said commissioners were interested in balancing growth with small-town character. Chairman Alan Christensen acknowledged Bramwell's service in leading the prior meeting. The commission approved the May 12 minutes with Bramwell, Heather Weiss and Gavin Cox voting aye and Chairman Christensen abstaining because of his absence at the earlier meeting.

Discussion at the workshop covered a range of "place types" the plan might encourage: residential neighborhoods, mixed-use corridors with housing above shops, neighborhood commercial nodes, office areas, light industrial, green space, agricultural lands and sensitive lands. Commissioners and staff identified potential infill sites for apartments, duplexes or mixed-use buildings, particularly along Main Street where second-story housing could promote walkability.

Economic development ideas included outdoor-recreation businesses, restaurants, gas stations, event venues and heritage-based attractions such as farm- or flower-focused tourism and a proposed Danish- or Scandinavian-themed village. Muhlestein said one way to preserve culture and agriculture is to make them economically sustainable through agritourism and heritage-based businesses.

On engagement, Muhlestein outlined outreach so far: walking tours with the mayor, council members and residents near the ball fields, Dollar General and Main Street; outreach at community events and senior groups; and a citywide survey available in English and Spanish. He noted turnout to date "was smaller than hoped" but described targeted plans to reach seniors, low-income households, Hispanic residents, youth and residents with disabilities.

The commission also discussed trails and recreation, including bike paths, connections to the "M" Hill trail, disc golf and ways to link recreational amenities with future development while considering safety and maintenance responsibilities.

Next steps: Muhlestein said staff will draft two or three future land use scenarios that reflect the commission's interest in clustering and infill and will bring those scenarios back for review. Commissioner Gavin Cox moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:48 p.m.; Commissioner Heather Weiss seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The commission's next meeting is scheduled for July 14, 2026.