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Serving Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson and Whiteside Counties

Blackhawk Hills RC&D
102 E. Rte. 30, Suite 3
Rock Falls, IL 61071

Phone (815) 625-3854 Ext. 2
Fax: (815) 625-4072

Community Planning

Does your community have a plan for economic development?
Is it used and up-to-date?

Community-based planning is more critical today due to increased community needs, decreased assistance, and competition from others.

What is community planning?

Community planning is an ongoing process of developing and implementing community needs and priorities. The community or county organization needs to have a written plan. This plan should be widely supported by the community or county as a whole, addressing the needs and priorities. From the plan, a specific project or projects can be highlighted and consideration for grant and other funding can begin.

What do communities gain?

• Planned future development
• Focus on priority issues/projects
• Develop local leadership
• Help avoid crises
• Eligibility for state/federal funding

What are the steps?

   1.  Establish a steering committee
   2.  Develop a community vision
   3.  Complete community survey
   4.  Identify most important issues
   5.  Develop an action plan

What is important to economic development planning?

• Operating costs (utility costs, wages rates, …)
• Operating conditions (labor supply, availability of utilities, …)
• Living conditions (housing availability, retail facilities, …)
• Transportation (highways, rail services, …)
• Sites and buildings
• Image of the area
• Incentives

Where can we get help?

Planning assistance can be obtained by contacting our office at 815-625-3854.

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