The Comprehensive Plan is a major undertaking and will become the policy foundation for all future planning in the unincorporated areas of Rutherford County. A Comprehensive Plan is a means of establishing a long-term community vision by looking 15 to 20 years into the future, determining needs, setting goals and objectives, and formulating policies that direct future development to be consistent with that vision.

Good planning provides private landowners and developers with a guide that defines where and what type of development that the community desires. This information allows individuals to plan for the purchase and use of property consistent with community goals. By defining a pattern of development, a community can responsibly manage growth, provide infrastructure and services in a timely manner, and protect natural and cultural resources that have environmental and economic benefits.

The plan will ensure an overall quality of life standard is both maintained and improved in the future. This is accomplished by identifying the issues the community faces and finding ways to address those issues in the coming years. Planning allows us to take a look at where the community has been, how it got to this point, where it wants to go, and how it can get there. Essentially planning allows a community to prepare for change rather than react to it.

Part of a successful planning process is engaging as many people as possible who live, work, and play in the County.  Many different ways exist to participate in the planning process, including face-to-face meetings and interviews, focus groups, and community forums.  Not everyone can participate in these ways, however, but the planning team still needs the opinions and views of as many people as possible.  This “blog” or on-going on-line discussion site will be used to allow residents to consider those things that are important to them as the County develops, and respond at their own pace, in their own free time. 

Discussion topics will be posted from time to time, with the hope of encouraging meaningful and candid feedback from as many people as possible.  The Rutherford County planning team will review each and every response, and attempt to craft questions that truly address the concerns of the County.  We hope you enjoy this format and that you will give us your honest, constructive opinions and suggestions to help make Rutherford County the place you want it to be!