The Lancaster County Planning Commission will consider Lancaster 2035 (PDF) at their Thursday, October 17 regular meeting.
The strategic plan was created by the Lancaster County Citizens Business Relations Advisory Committee, a group created by the Lancaster County Board of Supervisors in 2019 “to develop a plan and direction for the county’s future, find solutions to address the loss of workforce-aged residents, retain the current workforce, and create a business-friendly environment to grow and prosper.”
In the introduction, the group states:
The CBRAC acknowledges the potential harmful effects of unregulated expansion and development on the community and its inhabitants. No one wants to change the county's character, but without a strategic plan to enhance our workforce, the quality of life for county residents is in jeopardy. This plan aims to improve the well-being of Lancaster residents by implementing infrastructure improvements that facilitate business growth and grow Lancaster’s workforce for the prosperity of all county residents.
Choosing a 2035 strategic plan instead of a typical five-year plan was necessary because many of the outlined objectives require a more extended period. It will take time to boost the population within the working-age range, as it involves demographic shifts that depend on several other initiatives, such as better access to affordable housing, school workforce programs, and new economic opportunities. CBRAC will regularly monitor the plan's progress and update it annually to meet the community's needs.
The plan, published in December 2023, includes strategies, initiatives, milestones, costs, available resource partners, and measurable outcomes.
Also on the meeting agenda is the important discussion on options to change the waterfront overlay in the county. Read W-1 Consideration Item #1 (PDF).