Fayette County is creating a Strategic Plan to chart a clear, community-driven path for its future, especially as it navigates rapid changes brought on by major developments, including new developments at the Mega-Site. This plan will serve as a blueprint for growth, ensuring that local voices shape priorities around jobs, land use, quality of life, and more. Everyone’s input will help guide decisions that affect daily life, making the plan a shared vision for a thriving, resilient county.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Strategic Plan?
A Strategic Plan is a long-term guide for the future. It provides an opportunity to take stock of a community’s assets and define what is special and should be preserved or enhanced. It is also a chance to address opportunities for improving upon what exists today. It is based on input from anyone in the community who cares about the future as a place to thrive, succeed, and prosper. The plan is a guide for decision-makers and will include an overarching vision that aligns all aspects of community life and identifies goals and specific actions that will be implemented over time.
Why does Fayette County need a Strategic Plan?
Fayette County has long been a stable community, but recent economic growth—including new development at the Mega-Site—is creating new uncertainties for residents, businesses, and local leaders. The strategic planning process will help the County respond proactively, fostering transparency and accountability for both current residents and future investors. The plan will identify a clear and inclusive strategy that leverages existing assets, encourages responsible growth, and fosters an environment where residents, businesses, and new opportunities can thrive.
How will this affect me?
This planning process seeks to align the County and residents on a common path forward where ideas can be turned into action. The plan will address topics such as agriculture, workforce development, quality of place, and amenities. As a resident, employee, landowner, business owner, or other stakeholder, you stand to gain from a well-executed Strategic Plan because it will shape decisions that will directly impact your life.
How can I get involved?
There will be multiple ways for community members to have their say about the future of Fayette County beginning in July 2025. Sign up for our email list to be notified of future opportunities to have input into the plan.
How will my input be used?
This planning process is an opportunity for everyone to participate and shape the future of Fayette County, so that the authentic voice of the community is heard and reflected in the plan’s recommendations. All input gathered will be recorded, databased, analyzed, and documented by the Planning Team. When you contribute an idea, you are making an impact on the future of the County. Your ideas will serve as the foundation for the community’s vision, contribute to the plan’s goals, inspire specific actions, or set the course for implementation. As County staff and elected officials make decisions about your community, they will rely on the plan and ensure that those decisions align with the Strategic Plan’s goals and actions.
What is the timeline for completing the plan?
The plan will be a 5-month process and is anticipated to be completed in October 2025.
What other planning has Fayette County done?
Fayette County has a long history of planning for its future. In 2006, the County created a Comprehensive Land Use Strategy to maintain a balance between the preservation of its traditional rural environment and an expanded economic base with industrial, commercial, and retail centers for its residents. Then in 2016, it updated that plan with enVISION Fayette County, to serve as a guiding document for the community in addressing long-term goals and growth. Fayette County is committed to careful and thoughtful planning over time.
Where can I learn more?
If you have specific questions, please contact Kate Wells, Fayette County Economic Development Director, at 740-335-1150 or Wells.1614@osu.edu.
Stay tuned for more information on how you can get involved in the process!
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