Pulaski County seeks consultant for new comprehensive plan; public engagement planned

County staff told the Economic Development Commission that Pulaski County will begin a comprehensive-plan update this year, noting the countys last full plan was adopted in 2009 and that zoning and other changes since then justify a new countywide vision.

Speaker 2 said the county issued an RFP to about a dozen consulting firms, had heard from seven so far, and also listed the work on the state chapter of the American Planning Association website. He said proposals are due at the end of the month, interviews and contract negotiations will follow, and staff expects the process to move into public engagement and implementation planning in late spring to early summer.

Why it matters: A comprehensive plan guides zoning decisions, planning commission and BZA actions and county infrastructure priorities; staff emphasized that multiple local commissions (EDC, redevelopment, tourism, industrial park board) will have roles in both shaping and implementing the plan. The commission was asked to participate in public-engagement portions and to expect consultant presentations if included in the consulting scope.

Next steps: Staff will continue to collect proposals, coordinate consultant interviews and bring materials back to the EDC for feedback and participation in public-engagement events. No consultant contract was awarded at this meeting.