FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – State law requires Georgia municipalities to have a comprehensive plan and to update that plan periodically. Forsyth County conducted a major update in 2017. The 2022 update began with a public hearing on Thursday Oct. 21.

The comprehensive plan reflects the community’s vision for future growth and development. It helps determine where future resources will be placed and it guides the economic development team, planning department and county commissioners in making decisions. It is also necessary for the county to attract grants and loans.

Amanda Hatton with Blue Cypress Consulting is the project manager. She presented her plans for the update process at Thursday’s Board of Commissioners meeting

A community character map is a key element of plan. It helps divide the county into unique character areas to determine what is appropriate in those areas. The plan will recognize changes that have taken place the last five years, including the pandemic and the fact that Forsyth County is in a different regional commission than it was in 2017.

Community involvement is another important element in developing the plan. Hatton said there will be three in-person public meetings and one virtual meeting as well as an online survey to gather public comments and suggestions.

The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. in the commissioners meeting room, 110 East Street in Cumming. The second will be Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. at Fowler Park. The third in-person meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. at Central Park. On Wednesday, Oct. 15, there will be a virtual meeting via zoom.