Comprehensive planning evaluates a variety of aspects of a community to understand strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, values, and vision for the future. Through an open public engagement process, the City of Edwardsville will create a vision for the future. A comprehensive plan becomes a guiding policy document that outlines goals, principles, and priorities to aid the elected and appointed officials, as well as staff, in decision making over the next decade.

A comprehensive plan focuses on future land use and development decisions. Closely tied to land use are economic development and sustainability principles. The plan will explore goals for residential and commercial development to lay the foundation for the City's zoning regulations.

Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/11-12-5(1)) gives the city or village plan commission the authority to prepare and recommend a Comprehensive Plan for the present and future development or redevelopment of the incorporated area of a municipality; and can extend to land up to 1.5 miles beyond the corporate limits of the municipality, as long as that land is not incorporated by another municipality.

Typically completed over a 12-month period, the planning process includes:

• Existing Conditions

• Public Engagement

• Goals and Objectives

• Implementation Strategies

• Future Land Use Map and Street Layout

Yes! There will be a number of ways that the public is invited to contribute to the planning process. As the phases progress, a series of open houses and pop-up events will be announced where the community is invited to share their expertise and provide feedback. We want to hear from everyone who lives, works, and plays in Edwardsville! Each public feedback opportunity will be posted here on the website. Sign up here on the website to receive regular updates from the planning consultant team.