The City of Clearwater is seeking community input on the future of the city. They are in the process of updating our Comprehensive Plan, “Clearwater 2045,” and would like to hear your ideas on the vision for Clearwater.
Join the weekly photo contest running through June to win $100 gifts cards to area businesses and sign up for upcoming ZOOM “Community Conversations” sessions beginning May 25, where they will be seeking your input on the future of the city.
For more information on the “Uniquely Clearwater” photo contest, register for a conversation session, and learn other ways to get involved in the process visit: www.clearwater2045.com
What is a Comprehensive Plan?
A comprehensive plan is a policy document that local governments adopt to guide decisions on the future growth and sustainability of the city. It details the city’s long-term vision and goals while outlining the steps needed to achieve them. An important component of a comprehensive plan is identifying current and anticipated opportunities for improvement in public infrastructure and services while implementing strategies that ensure enhancements will be made in a timely fashion to meet future demand.
Why is the city updating the Comprehensive Plan?
The state requires that cities prepare, adopt, and amend comprehensive plans and implement them with appropriate land development regulations.
- Plans are typically reviewed and updated every 7 – 10 years to reflect changes in growth, conditions, or policy direction.
- The city adopted a state-required Comprehensive Plan in 1989 to address growth management regulations from 1986.
- The most recent major revision to the city’s Comprehensive Plan was conducted in 2008.
- Clearwater has made it a priority to update this important policy document and chart the course of the city through 2045.
How will the Comprehensive Plan be updated?
The Comprehensive Plan update project, Clearwater 2045, is anticipated to be a two-year planning process, concluding with adoption by City Council and transmittal to the relevant state agencies for review in Fall 2022. There are five phases to the project, which include substantial community outreach and engagement. Opportunities to attend in-person and virtual conversations and public hearings, as well as participate in surveys, polls, contests, and provide commentary on draft documents will be available during various stages of the planning process.
The city invites you to explore this project website for more information and engage in various ways to help shape the future of our city. Register to receive updates.
You can get involved in several ways:
Community Conversations
The Clearwater community has a very important role in shaping the vision and direction of the Clearwater 2045 Comprehensive Plan. The city is hosting “Community Conversations” in May and June 2021 to discuss what the city should focus on today and in the future. Meetings will be held virtually on Zoom with groups of no more than 10 and should last about 75 minutes, discussing three important questions.
Join one of the “Community Conversations” and share your thoughts and ideas on the future of Clearwater. There are several dates and times available to participate.
Visioning Survey
Answer five key questions about Clearwater.
Uniquely Clearwater Photo Contest
Share a photo of your favorite place in Clearwater.
The contest will run for four weeks, beginning Monday, May 24 and ending on Sunday, June 20. The photo with the most “likes” at the end of each week will be the winner of that week, and the photographer will be able to choose a $100 gift card from one of three categories: a local restaurant; a grocery store; or a home improvement center.
While you’re on the website, learn more your community and view a map of future land use.
There will be many opportunities over the next 18 months to attend in-person and virtual meetings and public hearings, as well as participate in surveys, polls, contests and provide commentary on draft documents.
For more information, contact Clearwater Planning Manager Christine Fisher at 727-562-4561, or by email at Clearwater2045@myclearwater.com.
Information provided by the City of Clearwater
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