Planning commission schedules Aug. 13 public hearing on Reimagine Marshalltown comprehensive plan

The Marshalltown Planning and Zoning Commission on July 16 voted to schedule a public hearing on the Reimagine Marshalltown comprehensive plan for Aug. 13, 2026, after hearing a staff overview of the draft and a request to solicit public input.

Clayton Dender, assistant director of housing and community development, told the commission the process that began in mid‑2025 included steering‑committee work, stakeholder listening groups and an interactive website that drew more than 600 unique users. He said the plan identifies a need for roughly 600 new housing units between 2026 and 2035 — about 60 units per year — and that staff would recommend approval of the draft but would defer to the commission on timing and public engagement.

The commission discussed whether to receive public comment immediately or schedule a formal hearing; the body agreed to hold a work session on Aug. 6 to prepare and then the public hearing on Aug. 13 during the commission’s regular meeting. The chair stated, “So we'll set that item up for a public hearing on the August 13,” and commissioners recorded their approval.

Why it matters: The comprehensive plan is the city’s long‑range guide for land use, mobility, housing, parks and infrastructure. A commission recommendation will move the document to the City Council, which will hold its own public hearing and then consider ordinance readings to adopt any implementing code changes.

Next steps: Staff will prepare an outline for the commission’s Aug. 6 work session and return a draft schedule and materials ahead of the Aug. 13 hearing. The commission and staff said they will continue public outreach before forwarding a recommendation to City Council.