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WP officials seek community input for long-range plan for city’s future

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The city of West Plains has launched a survey to gather input from residents and community members who conduct business within city limits to build a long-term comprehensive plan with hopes of beginning its implementation in August.

The ConnectWP survey, a link to which is available online at www.connectwpmo.com along with more information and a video from city Planning Director Emily Gibson, takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Everyone with an interest in the future of West Plains is encouraged to participate.

“Through this process, we want to hear from as many people as possible to make sure the future plans represent those living and working in West Plains every day,” said Gibson in her video, emphasizing the city is seeking input from people with a variety of backgrounds and interests.

“So often, people feel like decisions are made for them by other people who don’t understand them,” she added. “This is a chance for everyone to get involved.”

According to Gibson, the survey will inform a comprehensive plan, which she describes as a “road map” to guide the city for the next 10 to 30 years. Comprehensive plans, used by local governments and other public entities, are “policy documents that focus on topics like land use, transportation, parks and recreation, economic development and more,” the ConnectWP website explains.

The process to develop and implement the plan is expected to take about 10 months, through five phases, all outlined on the website. The first phase, Discover, is underway through this month and involves developing a baseline understanding of West Plains. Phase two, Engage, involves gathering community input and is expected to end in February. Phase 4, Plan, runs from April to May, and Phase 5, Refine, May to July; both deal with drawing up the roadmap and refining it. The final phase, Implement, will begin in August and is when the plan will be put to work for the long term.

The survey can be completed through 5 p.m. Feb. 24. Questions asked include an opportunity for participants to define their interest in West Plains, as a resident or consumer, for example. For residents, a series of questions asks about length and area of residency, and property ownership or rental status and related questions regarding housing availability.

For all survey participants, questions ask about how time is spent in West Plains, what the city is currently doing well, and what critical issues need to be considered over the next 10 to 20 years. The survey concludes with some basic demographic questions.

In addition to the survey, another way community members can get involved with planning for the future of the city of West Plains is by attending city council meetings, which are typically held on the second Tuesday of every month with open session beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall, 1910 Holiday Lane. A link to the city’s YouTube Channel, where videos of previous meetings are posted, is available on the city’s website at westplains.gov/city-council.

People may also call West Plains City Hall to share their insights, 417-256-7176.



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