Council directs staff to form comprehensive‑plan steering committee and continue prior process

City planner (Speaker 14) told the Newnan City Council the city must update its comprehensive plan every five years to retain 'qualified local government' status and continue eligibility for certain state grants and loans. Staff outlined a timeline (targeting a draft by Aug. 1 to allow a 2–3 month regional and Department of Community Affairs review) and described a steering‑committee approach that previously drew volunteers from boards and commissions as well as stakeholders such as the Newnan‑Coweta Historical Society, the Newnan‑Coweta Chamber of Commerce and the Coweta County School System.

Council debated whether to replicate the same committee composition or change the process. Several members said the prior committee had been successful and recommended moving forward and allowing staff to solicit volunteers from existing boards and commissions. The council moved to continue with the same process, asked each councilmember to return with names for the committee at the next meeting, and approved the direction by voice vote.

Staff said the committee will help review previous goals, policies and implementation strategies and encourage public participation through hearings, workshops and surveys as the update proceeds.